BT 

19/9 



i 



\ 

1 

I 




I 



The Crucifixion 

and 

The Resurrection 

of 

JESUS 

B>? AN EYE-WNESS 

A discovered MSS. of the old Alexandria Library giving, 
almost complete, a remarkable and lengthy letter, 
full, detailed, graphic and apparently truthful 
account by an Eye' Witness and friend of 
Jesus, an Elder of the Essene Order, 
to which Jesus belonged, shoW' 
ing Jesus did not die upon 
the Cross but six 
months later 

With much additional and explanatory matter 
concerning the Essenes and the Crucifixion story 

I 



THE AUSTIN PUBLISHING CO. 

LOS ANGELES 
CALIFORNIA 



Copyright, 1919. by 
B. F. AUSTIN 



©CI.A525G45 

MAY 26 1919 



CONTENTS 

Page 

1. Dr. Morris' Statement .... 5 

2. The Story of the Essene Elder's Letter . 7 

3. The Essenes ...... 13 

4. Statement of the German Translators of the 

Latin Manuscript . . . . . 21 

5. The Explanation of the Three Members of 

the Muskegon T. S., who made the Eng- 
lish Translation . . . . . 27 

6. Scriptural Accounts of the Crucifixion . . 28 

7. The Letter of the Essene Elder ... 37 



I 



I 



Dr. Morris* Statement 

In making copies of rare books and manu- 
scripts in the Library of the Christian Israelites 
about fifteen years ago, I came across the MSS 
copy of this wonderful Letter of the Essene 
Elder in Jerusalem to his Brother Elder in Alex- 
andria, and copied it as accurately as I could. 
The treasured wisdom in this and similar li- 
braries of this Order is not available for the 
public, and only accessible to advanced students 
for their private study and benefit and not to 
be given broadcast to the world, the theory being 
held that only the initiated can properly inter- 
pret and use occult lore and that men will seek 
such wisdom as soon as they are capable of mak- 
ing good use of it. 

Despite these teaching, however, I have be- 
come so deeply impressed with the importance 
of this letter and the great interest it will un- 
doubtedly excite among scholars and Bible stu- 
dents the world over, that I have had no hesita- 
tion in handing it over to Dr. Austin for publi- 
cation. 

DR. ELSIE LOUISE MORRIS. 
229 Alexandria St., Los Angeles. 
February 1st, 1919. 



5 



The Stor^ of the Essene Elder's Letter 

While conversing with Dr. Elsie Louise Morris 
in her home, 229 Alexandria street, Los Angeles, 
a few months ago concerning her forthcoming 
book: ''Woman, Past, Present and Future", which 
I am publishing, she showed me among many 
other interesting literary products, a MSS copy 
made by her own hand of the Essene Elder's 
Letter which forms the chief feature of this 
book. Dr. Morris will state in her own language 
what she knows about the manuscript from which 
she made her copy and the circumstances under 
which she made it. 

On reading it I was at once struck with the 
simplicity and candor of the narrative, and some- 
how felt impressed with its essential truth, and 
also with the deep interest and importance which 
the religious world would attach to such a letter, 
providing it carried to other minds the same in- 
ternal evidence of truth that had impressed my 
own. 

After carefully perusing the MSS for some 
time, I concluded its contents would interest most 
deeply too large a section of humanity to allow 
the Essene Letter to remain in the obscurity of 
private possession, or in the archives of a Secret 
Order. So I began negotiations with Dr. Morris 
and secured the "Letter", and the introductory 
articles by the German translators, who translat- 

7 



8 



CRUCIFIXION OF JESUS 



ed the Latin MSS into German, and by the Fel- 
lows of the Theosophical Society, who made the 
translation from Swedish into EngHsh. 

I now propose to state briefly some of my rea- 
sons for believing in the essential truth of this 
story of the Crucifixion and Resuscitation of 
Jesus, and why I think it should be published to 
the world. 

First, and perhaps chiefly, because the spirit 
and language of the "Letter" impresses every 
open-minded reader with its truth. Language, 
spoken or written, has an inner voice and testi- 
mony and speaks not only to the understanding 
but speaks to the moral sense as well. When any 
lover of truth hears a speaker or reads a narra- 
tive, the soul of the speaker or writer is revealed. 
It is the note of sterling honesty in the voice, 
or in the language and style of expression, that 
infallibly announces the truth, as the ring of the 
gold coin proclaims its genuineness. 

The "Letter" breathes the air and spirit of 
the East and is redolent of the ancient times. 

It is the product of a heart in love with truth 
and full of reverence for all that is good and 
beautiful in human life and character. 

The narrative is permeated throughout with 
that loving, tender and self-sacrificing devotion to 
the Master that manifests in an unmistakable 
manner. It would seem impossible for this feat- 
ure to spring out of any mind and heart but that 
of a personal follower of Jesus, bound to him 
with a thousand ties of tenderest affectidn. 



BY AN EYE-WITNESS 



9 



The whole "Letter" may be looked upon as a 
commentary on the Gospel narrative — throwing 
a flood of light on much that before was obscure 
— with one great difference, viz.: an utter ab- 
sence of the supernatural, the so-called miracu- 
lous element. 

As, according to the story, Jesus did not die 
on the Cross, so his ''Resurrection" was in reality 
SL ''Resuscitation", and so the whole series of 
events falls within the compass of natural law. 

This view doubtless will be intensely objection- 
able to multitudes, but if it could be accepted 
and established as true, would at once remove 
the greatest objection that sceptics, infidels and 
scholars have urged against the Gospel narra- 
tive. 

Quite true this would be — in the opinion of 
many — a complete demolition of the Christian 
Religion, since multitudes today, as in the time 
of Jesus, put the emphasis on the miraculous dis- 
plays of power rather than on the utterance of 
lofty truth. 

To these the death of Jesus means more than 
his life. Miraculous power, manifesting in signs 
and wonders, is much more valuable to them than 
the Sermon on the Mount, or the incarnation of 
the truth in the Master's life. 

There is absolutely nothing in the truthful 
story of the Crucifixion to render the death of 
Jesus on the Cross a necessity. In the first place 
only the hands were pierced, as we learn on the 
best authority. The suffering and danger from 
loss of blood and pain from the hand wounds 



10 



CRUCIFIXION OF JESUS 



was very much lessened by the custom of bind- 
ing the arms very tightly to the Cross, partially 
stopping the blood circulation and benumbing the 
pain by pressure upon the nerves. Those cruci- 
fied in other lands were allowed to remain on the 
cross till death resulted naturally from the cruci- 
fixion and in some cases we are told survived for 
a week after the infliction of the penalty. Jesus, 
y a sensitive, that is peculiarly a sufferer, after the 
flogging and burden-bearing naturally swooned 
under the pain of the crucifixion. There is no 
mention in the "Letter** of any wounds in the 
feet, or any healing treatment applied thereto. 

If Jesus were, therefore, as the "Letter" states, 
a member of the Order of Essenes, and befriend- 
ed as far as the rules of the Order would allow 
any public activities in apparent opposition to the 
State, by members of his Order, what is more 
natural to suppose than that he was shielded 
from having his bones broken by the soldiers, 
and his body carefully laid away in the sepulchre 
of another Essene and, by arts of healing well 
known to the Order, restored to consciousness 
and to active life again ? 

The actual flowing of water and blood from the 
wound in the side is a great physiological proof 
that life was not extinct in his body at that time. 

Again, Jesus after his resurrection as before 
his death, never appeared at two places at the 
same time. He seemed, therefore, subject to time 
and place like other mortals. 

People believed many things in those days that 
seem incredible to us today. Those who could 



BY AN EYE-WITNESS 



11 



readily believe that a crucified man, dead and 
buried, could arise, could readily construe the de- 
parture of Jesus in a cloud overhanging Olivet 
and shot through with the golden rays of a set- 
ting sun, into an ascension into heaven. 

The one objection that has apparent strength, 
presuming the ''Letter" genuine and authentic 
and Jesus a member of the Essenes, is this : Why 
did Jesus, a member of the Order, pledged as 
such to a secluded life, and pledged also to limit- 
ing his instructions to the initiated, publicly pur- 
sue his ministry and preach to the multitude? 

The answer to this is found in the fact, appar- 
ent through the whole "Letter" narrative, that 
Jesus through the mighty spirit inspiration that 
was upon him broke through the narrow limita- 
tions of the Order and made his ministry uni- 
versal. So strong the compassion of his noble 
heart, so mighty the tide of inspiration that 
surged through his being, so urgent the truth 
that sought expression through his lips, that he 
was carried outside the pale of the Monastic 
Order into a ministry for the whole race. 

'Thus we have every reason to credit this 
'Letter', dictated by a lover of truth, and written 
by a man who had been an EYE WITNESS to 
most of the important transactions in the life 
and death of Jesus, who, as a member of the 
Order, was embraced by them with all the fra- 
ternal devotion of the Order." 

B. F. AUSTIN. 



I 



The Essenes 

The Essenes, to whom such frequent references 
are made in this book, were a Monastic Order 
among the Jews, the origin of which is lost in 
the obscurity of the distant past. 

Pliny represents them as a perennial colony on 
the shores of the Dead Sea. 

Philo and Josephus estimate their number at 
4,000. 

Undoubtedly they were mostly Jews and sprang 
out of the heart of Judaism, but it is equally 
certain they were far from orthodox Jews and 
there existed in the spirit and methods of the 
Order much that was of a foreign character and 
distinctly anti-Jewish. 

Much variety of opinion exists among scholars 
and writers as to the origin of the name and 
great diversity of views has been expressed, espe- 
cially as to the foreign and anti-Jewish elements 
in the teaching and practice of the Essenes. 

Their first definite appearance in history is in 
the time of Jonathan, the Maccabee, 161-144 
B. C, though many authorities give them a 
much earlier origin. Pliny, the Elder, speaks of 
them as having existed ''thousands of ages", but 
the best scholarship regards this as a most ex- 
travagant expression. The writers best qualified 
give them a ''dateless antiquity." Some explain 
the name Essenes as meaning *'the silent ones", 



14 



CRUCIFIXION OF JESUS 



and others as signifying "the healers", and 
others assert the term means "the pious". 

Philo, Pliny and Josephus are the chief authori- 
ties on the Essenes. Josephus, who was at one 
time a member of the Order, treats of them at 
great length. 

The prevailing spirit of the Order embraced 
severe asceticism, rare benevolence to each other 
and to all men, especially to the aged, the poor 
and the stranger. They had fixed and very rigid 
rules for initiation and each step of the four 
grades of membership was won by strict com- 
pliance with discipline and strict obedience to 
those in authority. The life of the member was 
regulated by fixed rules under all circumstances. 

They gained their recruits in membership in 
two ways: converts from the world and the 
adoption and rearing of orphan children. As 
marriage was generally prohibited and de- 
nounced, there was little accession to their mem- 
bership from children of the Order. 

This Society is said to have been the first to 
denounce slavery. It practiced complete com- 
munity of goods and this — unlike the commnuity 
of goods that prevailed for a time among the 
early Christians and was voluntary— was obliga- 
tory on all joining the Order. 

They chose their own Priests and Judges. 
There was in their teaching a considerable ele- 
ment of speculation and a profound sympathy 
with the Grecian Philosophy and with many Ori- 
ental ideas and teachings. 

They had no special city of their own, but had 



BY AN EYE-WITNESS 



15 



communities in various cities and preferred the 
country or villages to the city life. They did not 
take an active part in the public life of the na- 
tion, but lived largely to themselves, devoting 
their chief attention to the work of the Order., 

Agriculture was their favorite pursuit and 
hence their preference for rural life. They adopt- 
ed children and reared them in the principles and 
practices of their Order. 

Their practice in regard to dress was very 
ascetic. They wore their clothes and shoes until 
they fell away from them. Except when toiling 
in the fields they dressed invariably in white. 

Before sunrise no one spoke a profane word. 
At sunrise they offered to the sun traditional 
forms of prayer as though beseeching it to rise. 
They then went to work till the fifth hour, when 
they assembled and girding on a linen garment, 
bathed in cold water. They then seated them- 
selves in the dining hall, where the bakers placed 
bread before them, and the cook brought to each 
a single dish of food. Grace was said before and 
after meal by the Priest. 

After dinner they resumed work till sunset. 
In the evening they had supper and entertained 
their guests. 

They were a very quiet people and the visitor 
and stranger was impressed with awe at the 
tranquility of the place. 

All the activities of the members were direct- 
ed by the President, and in only two things were 
the members allowed to act upon their own in- 
itiative: They could help those in trouble and 



16 



CRUCIFIXION OF JESUS 



show charity to the poor. No member, however,^ 
could give anything to his own relatives, except 
on the authority of the heads of the Society. 

They had a Special Court of Justice composed 
of 100 members, and its decisions were rendered 
with extreme care and were irreversible. Oaths 
were forbidden, as the ordinary promise was con- 
sidered stronger. 

The moral characteristics of life and conduct 
were most zealously cultivated. 

After a novitiate of three years, during which 
the candidate was rigorously tested in every way^ 
he was, if found worthy, admitted to the full 
membership. 

Before admission and before being allowed to 
partake of the common meal, he was required 
to swear an awful oath: 1. To reverence the 
Deity. 2. Do justice to all men. 3. Hurt no one 
voluntarily, or at the command of another. 
4. Hate the unjust and assist the just. 5. Faith- 
ful to all men, especially to rulers for all authori- 
ty is of God. 6. Also should he himself ever bear 
rule, he would make no violent use of his power, 
nor attempt to outshine those under him by dis- 
play. 7. Cherish the truth and unmask all liars. 
8. Seek no unjust gain. 9. Conceal nothing from 
fellow members. 10. Not divulge the affairs of 
the Society. 11. Transmit to others the teachings 
of the Society unchanged. 12. Keep sacred the 
books of the Society. 13. Not reveal the names 
of the angels. 

Members guilty of any crime were, on convic- 
tion, expelled from the order. 



BY AN EYE-WITNESS 



17 



While this Monastic Order, fenced off from the 
world most carefully, arose out of the heart of 
Judaism and most of its membership were Jews, 
it is also interesting to note the 

Many ^arp Xm'es of Distinction Between Es- 
senism and Orthodox Judaism 

1. The Essenes did not offer animal sacrifices. 

2. They prohibited slaughter and the eating of 
flesh. 

3. They held marriage in low estimation and 
allowed it in exceptional cases, but only for 
purposes of procreation. 

4. The Essenes addressed prayers and invoca- 
tions to the sun. 

5. There was no such rigid asceticism among 
the Jews as the Essenes practiced, discarding 
as they did warm baths and looking upon oil, 
even that used for anointment, as defilement. 

Some of St. PauFs views of marriage, it must 
be confessed, were kindred to those of the Es- 
senes. 

If the Essenes as a community had a central 
location the shores of the Dead Sea may be so 
regarded. 

The Foreign Element in Essenism 

Dr. Lightfoot, an eminent authority on 'The 
Apostolic Age," holds the view that the Foreign 
Element in Essenism is traceable to Medo-Persian 
teaching. Among his reasons are the following: 

1. Both recognize that Dualism which forms 
the distinguishing feature of the Persian teach- 
ing. 



18 



CRUCIFIXION OF JESUS 



2. The Essenes worshipped "the angels" and 
the Zendavesta teaches "the invocation of spir- 
its." 

3. Both systems recognize intermediary be- 
ings in the government of nature and ol.man. 

4. The reverence for light, its symbolism, and 
the worship of the sun exists in both systems. 

5. Magic was very attractive to the Essenes 
and extensively used by them — and, as we know, 
the very word is derived from the "Magi" or 
priests of the Persian religion. 

6. Both systems aimed at the purification of 
the individual. 

7. Both cults favored the white garb. 

The relation of Jesus, if any, to this Order that 
undoubtedly flourished in Jerusalem at the time 
of his ministry, has been a frequent topic with 
students and writers. 

One author declares: "It will hardly be doubt- 
ed that our Saviour himself belonged to this 
Order." 

If the "Letter" of the Essene Elder, which 
forms the chief feature of this book, may be re- 
garded as genuine, or as depicting truthfully the 
times in which Jesus ministered, all must regard 
Jesus as an Essene. 

Certain it is that this would explain very many 
points of agreement between the teachings of the 
Master and those of the Essenes, yet it would 
leave many points of divergence in teaching and 
practice to be explained away. 

These, however, would not appear so formida- 
ble if one heeds the hints repeatedly given in the 



BY AN EYE-WITNESS 



19 



''Letter," that while Jesus was reared by the 
Essenes and accepted most of their principles and 
practices, toward the end of his ministry he 
threw off and utterly rejected some of its cus- 
toms and refused obedience to the Elders of the 
Order, acting under an inspiration of his own 
rather than the counsels or commands of the 
Order. 

That the Essenes and early Christians were 
very similar in their belief and formal instruc- 
tion may be inferred from the following facts : 

1. Both taught the immortality of the soul 
and a future, dependent in a measure, on our con- 
duct here. 

2. Both taught and practiced community of 
goods. 

3. Both abhorred the too common use of 
oaths. 

4. Both taught passive obedience to authori- 
ty. 'The powers that be were ordained of God." 

5. Neither system seemed to have the most 
exalted views of marriage. Compare Paul's teach- 
ing on marriage with Essenism. 

6. Both exalted poverty and centered atten- 
tion on spiritual rather than worldly interests. 

The writer's own views are expressed in his 
story of the Essene Letter. 

B. F. AUSTIN. 



A Valuable Histor? and Enlightenment 

^On the Right Manner of the Life and Death 
of Jesus. 

Old Manuscripts which were found in Alexandria, 
written by one of the Essene Order 
to which Jesus belonged. 

THE NEW EDITION 

J. F. Sasberg 
1880 

Translated from the above named edition 
(Swedish) 



FOREWORD OF THE GERMAN TRANS- 
LATORS 

Through one of the members of the Abyssin- 
ian merchants' company, was found in Alexan- 
dria, in an old building, formerly used by Grecian 
Monks, in a forgotton and abandoned library, 
an old parchment roll, the deciphering of which 
had scarcely been begun by a learned man. A 
Missionary in his fanatical orthodox eagerness 
tried to destroy the antique document. But it 
was saved with the exception of a few supple- 
ments, contained in the roll, and a literal trans- 
lation of the ancient Latin text was accom- 
plished. And which transcript came to Germany 
through the Free-Masons. 

21 



22 



CRUCIFIXION OF JESUS 



Through the archeological researches which 
was prosecuted in Alexandria, even the place 
where it was found, it has been shown that in 
the far off remote times, under the sway of the 
Romans, and in the time of Christ it had been 
owned by the Essene Order, and this parchment 
roll is a relic from the Essene colony. The 
learned man who was present when it was found 
was a Frenchman. He sought to bring the orig- 
inal to the possession of the French Academy. 
If this did not occur it was owing to intrigue 
of the Catholic officials, and especially of the 
Jesuit Mission in Egypt, because they had from 
the beginning labored to destroy all trace of 
this document. But the true transcript through 
the influence of influential Abyssinian merchants 
and prominent Triest Commissioner was com- 
pleted by the learned Frenchman and natural 
philosopher, and by the assistance of Pythag- 
orean societies, it was saved from the orthodox 
dumbhead, who searched for it, but by more 
chance than design. For some time it remained 
in the possession of a German Brotherhood, 
which we must regard as the last remains of the 
old Essene Wisdom. 

Under this period, the German translation of 
the Latin original was made public. 

Concerning the ancient discovered document, 
it consisted of a letter from a so-called Thera- 
pute ''that is an elder" and in the highest degree 
of order standing fore-arm for the secret scien- 
ces, and the noble purposes which was the aim 
of the Essene Society. 



BY AN EYE-WITNESS 



23 



A few years after the crucifixion of Jesus, this 
person wrote to another elder of the Essene 
Brotherhood of Alexandria, to inform the Order 
in Egypt, concerning the rumor about the life 
and death of Jesus which had come to Alex- 
andria. The miraculous stories which the Dis- 
ciples of Jesus in their eagerness spread, and 
which were magnified through the belief of the 
Jewish peoples in miracles, had in the Essene 
Order in Alexandria caused much doubt, because 
the high members of this secret Brotherhood 
possessed great insight into the powers of na- 
ture, and in a natural way sought to explain the 
supernatural. The rumor about the life of Jesus 
and his behavior soon convinced the Essenes in 
Alexandria that Jesus himself must be a member 
of their Order, so rich in secrets and science, 
because he used their orders, customs and recog- 
nition signs, and because of these facts, they 
could not accept the rumors about the miracles, 
because all supernatural explanation of visible 
phenomena was foreign to the Order. To re- 
ceive assurance of these facts, an Essene Elder 
of Alexandria had written to an Elder in Jeru- 
salem, the statement contained in this discovered 
parchment, and this discovered letter is a com- 
plete answer to the questions of the Order in 
Alexandria. But that an Essene always spoke 
and wrote the strictest truth is assured because 
of the known rules of the Essene Order, which 
places the contents of this old discovered letter 
beyond doubt. The Essene Order was strictly 
virtuous, and was not originated among the Jews, 



24 



CRUCIFIXION OF JESUS 



although they existed even among the Maccabees, 
and was a still older institution of Pythagorean 
teaching, which among the Jewish people had 
assumed a national outer force. All members 
pursued agriculture according to the rules, some- 
times all came together, at others only those of 
the higher Degrees. They praised and practiced 
wisdom and virtue in their religious customs and 
speech; they pursued, led by their research in 
nature, specially the science of healing; they 
knew many effects of minerals and vegetables 
upon the human organism, and considered this 
knowledge a secret within the higher degrees of 
their Order, and used them to relieve the suffer- 
ings, physical and psychical, of the people. Within 
their Society they had accepted mutuality in 
possession and each one labored for the common 
treasury. They spoke not before sunrise upon 
earthly matters. They held prayers in the be- 
ginning of the day. They went in a special suit 
to labor in the fields. They assembled for a 
common meal in mid-day, but dressed, at this 
time after they had washed in cold water, in 
clean, white linen clothes. In their labor they 
could not bear servants, so likewise there were 
no serving brothers, and they never permitted an 
uninitiated person to take part in their meet- 
ings. According to their insight into the secrets 
of the Order, and also after their moral worth 
were they separated into four degrees. In the 
lowest or first degree they received mostly chil- 
dren, because the Essenes very seldom married, 
but if one full grown wished to be received, he 



BY AN EYE-WITNESS 



25 



must go under a strict moral three years pro- 
bation before he was received. The highest de- 
gree were not permitted to communicate any of 
their secrets to a lower degree, on penalty of 
being excluded from the Order. Only a blame- 
less life, virtuous birth and wisdom could gain 
admission to the highest degrees. They occupied 
themselves in their daily lives aside from agri- 
culture in edifying and learned conversation, con- 
fined strictly to the rules of the Order; practiced 
charity, and hospitality; they held themselves 
separate from politics and revolutions, and 
sought always to establish peace. Their recog- 
nition sign and greeting was, "Peace be with 
you," and with the meal they broke bread and 
passed the cup. They worshipped Jehovah, but 
never sacrificed to him in the temple, but wor- 
shipped God according to the customs of the Or- 
der. They knew no higher virtue than to suffer 
and die for virtue; death had for them no ter- 
rors, because they held the soul as a prisoner 
in the body to be set free at death, striving up- 
ward to the heavenly fields. Untruths and oaths 
were to them criminal actions, as were quarreling 
and revenge. Their greatest trust was the se- 
quence of their belief in God and the spirits di- 
rectly influencing the faith of the people. This 
Order, which in present Free-Masonry has left 
its last echo, was in the time of Jesus largely 
spread over Palestine, as well as in Egypt; and 
had some colonies and scattered settlements 
where they came together. They maintained an 
intimate connection in all societies, and held the 



26 



CRUCIFIXION OF JESUS 



Brotherhood near and far always informed in the 
affairs of the brothers. They are strictly separ- 
ate from the Oriental fanaticism. In that they 
stood high above their contemporaries in culture. 
There belonged to this Order not only poor, or 
middle class, and such as had withdrawn from 
public life, but also many influential public of- 
ficials and highly eminent accounted themselves 
members in secret, and council men as well as 
scribes, labored in secret for the secrets of the 
Order. From this living Brotherhood in Jerusa- 
lem originated the letter which the following 
leaves communicate in translation. That here 
one of the Elders of the Order has described and 
communicated to a brother of his Order the oc- 
currences of which he had been an eye-witness, 
without fanaticism or prejudice, but with the 
love of truth, and with pure conception by one 
of ripened mind in the secrets of the Order, is 
without doubt. That such a communication 
should make pretensions to the character of his- 
torical objectivity rather than the fanatically 
elaborate dictation about subjective facts which 
has been communicated partly from rumor and 
partly from tradition. And also if the spectator 
had been in an agitated condition. 



BY AN EYE-WITNESS 



27 



EXPLANATION OF THE THREE TRANSLA- 
TORS OF THE SWEDISH MANU- 
SCRIPT INTO ENGLISH 

A Word of Explanation 

A Swedish copy of the German translation 
spoken of in the above foreword came into the 
possession of the Muskeegon T. S., who, realizing 
the importance of the document, called the at- 
tention of others to the same, and it has been 
the joint work of three others, members, to put 
it into English, and fully realizing that all trans- 
lations necessarily partake of somewhat of the 
personality of the translator, it has been our aim 
in the present instance to make our copy as lit- 
eral as possible, even sometimes at the expense 
of a strictly grammatical construction of sen- 
tences. Our MSS have been carefully compared 
with the original from which it was made and 
pronounced correct. Trusting that it may prove 
as interesting and instructive to others as it has 
been to ourselves, we submit it for the perusal 
of such of our friends as are seeking for state- 
ments of facts, leaving it entirely to its own 
merits, for acceptance or rejection, as it may ap- 
peal to their understanding. 

Fraternally, 
M. H. 

J. B. & L. E. B. 
F. T. S. 



28 



CRUCIFIXION OF JESUS 



The Scriptural Stor^ of the Crucifixion 

MATTHEW— CHAPTER XXVII, Vs. 26-66. 

Then released he Barabbas unto them: and when he 
had scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified. 

Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the 
common hall, and gathered unto him the whole band of 
soldiers. 

And they stripped him, and put on him a scarlet robe- 

And when they had platted, a crown of thorns, they 
put it upon his head, and a reed in his hand: and they 
bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying. 
Hail, King of the Jews! 

And they spit upon him, and took the reed, and smote 
him on the head. 

And after that they had mocked him, they took the 
robe off from him, and put his own raiment on him, and 
led him away to crucify him. 

And as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, 
Simon by name: him they compelled to bear his cross. 

And when they were come unto a place called Gol- 
gotha, that is to say, a place of a skull. 

They gave him vinegar to drink mingled with gall: 
and when he had tasted thereof, he would not drink. 

And they crucified him, and parted his garments, cast- 
ing lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by 
the prophet. They parted my garments among them, and 
upon my vesture did they cast lots. 

And sitting down they watched him there; 

And set up over his head his accusation written, THIS 
IS JESUS THE KING OP THE JEWS. 

Then were there two thieves crucified with him, one on 
the right hand, and another on the left. 

And they that passed by reviled him, wagging their 
heads, 

And saying, Thou that destroyest the temple, and 
buildest it in three days, save thyself. If thou be the 
Son of God, come down from the cross. 

Likewise also the chief priests mocking him, with the 
scribes and elders, said. 

He saved others; himself he cannot save. If he be 
the King of Israel, let him now come down from the 
cross, and we will believe him. 

He trusted in God; let him deliver him now, if he will 
have him: for he said, I am the Son of God- 



BY AN EYE-WITNESS 



29 



The thieves also, which were crucified with him, cast 
the same in his teeth. 

Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all 
the land unto the ninth hour. 

And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud 
voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, 
My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? 

Some of them that stood there, when they heard that, 
said, This man calleth for Elias. 

And straightway one of them ran, and took a spunge, 
and filled it with vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave 
him to drink. 

The rest said. Let be, let us see whether Elias will 
came to save him. 

Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, 
yielded up the ghost. 

And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain 
from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and 
the rocks rent; 

And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the 
saints which slept arose. 

And came out from the graves after his resurrection, 
and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many. 

Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, 
watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things 
that were done, they feared greatly, saying. Truly this 
was the Son of God. 

And many women were there beholding afar off, which 
followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering unto him; 

Among which was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the 
mother of James and Joses, and the mother of Zebedee's 
children. 

And when the even was come, there came a rich man 
or Arimathea, named Joseph, who also himself was Jesus' 
disciple: 

He went to Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. Then 
Pilate commanded the body to be delivered. 

And when Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped 
it in a clean linen cloth, 

And laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn 
out in the rock: and he rolled a great stone to the door 
of the sepulchre, and departed. 

And there was Mary Magdalene, and the other Mary, 
sitting over against the sepulchre. 

Now the next day, that followed the day of the prep- 
aration, the chief priests and Pharisees came together 
unto Pilate, 

Saying, Sir, we remember that that deceiver said, 
while he was yet alive, After three days I will rise again. 



30 



CRUCIFIXION OF JESUS 



Command therefore that the sepulchre be made sure 
until the third day, lest his disciples come by night, and 
steal him away, and say unto the people, He is risen from 
the dead: so the last error shall be worse than the first. 

Pilate said unto them, Ye have a watch: go your way, 
make it as sure as ye can. 

So they went, and made the sepulchre sure, sealing 
the stone, and setting a watch. 

MATTHEW— CHAPTER XXVIII, Vs. 1-15. 

In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward 
the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the 
other Mary to see the sepulchre. 

And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the 
angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and 
rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. 

His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment 
white as snow: 

And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became 
as dead men. 

And the angel answered and said unto the women, 
Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was 
crucified. 

He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see 
the place where the Lord lay. 

And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen 
from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into 
Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you. 

And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with 
fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples 
word. 

And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus 
met them, saying. All hail- And they came and held him 
by the feet, and worshipped him. 

Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my 
brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they 
see me. 

Now when they were going, behold, some of the watch 
came into the city, and shewed unto the chief priests all 
the things that were done. 

And when they were assembled with the elders, and 
had taken counsel, they gave large money unto the 
soldiers, 

Saying, Say ye. His disciples came by night, and stole 
him away while we slept. 

And if this come to the governor's ears, we will per- 
suade him, and secure you. 

So they took the money, and did as they were taught: 
and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews 
until this day. 



BY AN EYE-WITNESS 



31 



MARK— CHAPTER XV, Vs. 1-11. 

And straightway in the morning the chief priests held 
a consultation with the elders and scribes and the whole 
council, and bound Jesus, and carried him away, ana 
delivered him to Pilate. 

And Pilate asked him, Art thou the King of the Jews? 
And he answering said unto. him, Thou sayest it. 

And the chief priests accused him of many things: 
but he answered nothing. 

And Pilate asked him again, saying, Answerest thou 
nothing? behold how many things they witness against 
thee. 

But Jesus yet answered nothing; so that Pilate mar- 
velled. 

Now at that feast he released unto them one prisoner, 
whomsoever they desired- 

And there was one named Barabbas, which lay bound 
with them that had made insurrection with him, who had 
committed murder in the insurrection. 

And the multitude crying aloud began to desire him 
to do as he had ever done unto them. 

But Pilate answered them, saying. Will ye that I re- 
lease unto you the King of the Jews? 

For he knew that the chief priests had delivered him 
for envy. 

But the chief priests moved the people, that he should 
rather release Barabbas unto them. 

JOHN— CHAPTER XIX. 

Then Pilate therefore took Jesus, and scourged him. 

And the soldiers platted a crown of thorns, and put it 
on his head, and they put on him a purple robe, 

And said, Hail, King of the Jews! and they smote him 
with their hands. 

Pilate therefore went forth again, and saith unto them, 
Behold, I bring him forth to you, that ye may know that 
I find no fault in him. 

Then came Jesus forth, wearing the crown of thorns, 
and the purple robe. And Pilate saith unto them, Behold 
the man! 

When the chief priests therefore and officers saw him, 
they cried out, saying, Crucify him, crucify him. Pilate 
saith unto them, Take ye him, and crucify him: for I 
find no fault in him. 

The Jews answered him. We have a law, and by our 
law he ought to die, because he made himself the Son 
of God. 

When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he was the 
more afraid; 



32 



CRUCIFIXION OF JESUS 



And went again into, the judgment hall, and saith unta 
Jesus, Whence art thou? But Jesus gave him no answer- 
Then saith Pilate unto him, Speakest thou not unto 
me? knowest thou not that I have power to crucify thee, 
and have power to release thee? 

Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power at all 
against me, except it were given thee from above: there- 
fore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin. 

And from thenceforth Pilate sought to release him: 
but the Jews cried out, saying. If thou let this man go, 
thou art not Caesar's friend: whosoever maketh himself 
a king speaketh against Caesar. 

When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he brought 
Jesus forth, and sat down in the judgment seat in a place 
that is called the Pavement, but in the Hebrew, Gabbatha. 

And it was the preparation of the passover, and about 
the sixth hour: and he saith unto the Jews, Behold your 
King! 

But they cried out. Away with him, away with him, 
crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Shall I crucify your 
King? The chief priests answered. We have no king 
but Caesar. 

Then delivered he him therefore unto them to be cruci- 
fied. And they took Jesus, and led him away. 

And he bearing his cross went forth into a place called 
the place of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew Gol- 
gotha: 

Where they crucified him, and two others with him, 
on either side one, and Jesus in the midst. 

And Pilate wrote a title, and put it on the cross. And 
the writing was, JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF 
THE JEWS. 

This title then read many of the Jews: for the place 
where Jesus was crucified was nigh to the city: and it 
was written in Hebrew, and Greek, and Latin. 

Then said the chief priests of the Jews to Pilate, 
Write not. The King of the Jews: but that he said, I am 
King of the Jews- 
Pilate answered. What I have written I have written. 
Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took 
his garments, and made four parts, to every soldier a 
part; and also his coat; now the coat was without seam, 
woven from the top throughout. 

They said therefore among themselves, Let us not 
rend it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be: that the 
scripture might be fulfilled, which saith. They parted my 
raiment among them, and for my vesture they did cast 
lots. These things therefore the soldiers did. 

Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and 



BY AN EYE-WITNESS 



33 



his motlier's sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary 
Magdalene. 

When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disci- 
ple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, 
Woman, behold thy son! 

Then saith he to the disciple. Behold thy mother! And 
from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home. 

After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now 
accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith, 
I thirst. 

Now there was set a vessel full of vinegar: and they 
filled a spunge with vinegar, and put it upon hyssop, and 
put it to his mouth. 

When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he 
said. It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up 
the ghost. 

The Jews therefore, because it was the preparation, 
that the bodies should not remain upon the cross on the 
sabbath day, (for that sabbath day was an high day,) 
besought Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that 
they might be taken away. 

Then came the soldiers, and brake the legs of the 
first, and of the other which was crucified with him. 

But when they came to Jesus, and saw that he was 
dead already, they brake not his legs: 

But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, 
and forthwith came there out blood and water. 

And he that saw it bare record, and his record is 
true: and he knoweth that he saith true, that ye might 
believe- 

For these things were done, that the scripture should 
be fulfilled, A bone of him shall not be broken. 

And again another scripture saith. They shall look on 
him whom they pierced. 

And after this Joseph of Arimathaea, being a disciple 
of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, besought 
Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus: and 
Pilate gave him leave. He came therefore, and took the 
body of Jesus. 

And there came also Nicodemus, which at the first 
came to Jesus by night, and brought a mixture of myrrh 
and aloes, about an hundred pound weight. 

Then they took the body of Jesus, and wound it in 
linen clothes with the spices, as the manner of the Jews 
is to bury. 

Now in the place where he was crucified there was a 
garden; and in the garden a new sepulchre, wherein 
was never man yet laid. 



34 



CRUCIFIXION OF JESUS 



There laid they Jesus therefore because of the Jews' 
preparation day; for the sepulchre was nigh at hand. 

ST. JOHN— CHAPTER XX. 

The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene 
early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and 
seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre. 

Then she runneth, and cometh to Simon Peter, and to 
the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and saith unto them, 
They have taken away the Lord out of the sepulchre, and 
we know not where they have laid him. 

Peter therefore went forth, and that other disciple, 
and came to the sepulchre- 
So they ran both together: and the other disciple did 
outrun Peter, and came first to the sepulchre. 

And he stooping down, and looking in, saw the linen 
clothes lying; yet went he not in. 

Then cometh Simon Peter following him, and went 
into the sepulchre, and seeth the linen clothes lie, 

And the napkin, that was about his head, not lying 
with the linen clothes, but wrapped together in a place 
by itself. 

Then went in also that other disciple, which came first 
to the sepulchre, and he saw, and believed. 

For as yet they knew not the scripture, that he must 
rise again from the dead. 

Then the disciples went away again unto their own 
home. 

But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: 
and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the 
sepulchre. 

And seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the 
head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus 
had lain. 

And they say unto her. Woman, why weepest thou? She 
saith unto them, Because they have taken away my Lord, 
and I know not where they have laid him. 

And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, 
and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus. 

Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? 
whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gar- 
dener, said unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, 
tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him 
away. 

Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and 
saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master- 
Jesus saith unto her. Touch me not; for I am not yet 
ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say 



BY AN EYE-WITNESS 



35 



unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; 
and to my God, and your God. 

Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she 
had seen the Lord, and that he had spoken these things 
unto her. 

Then the same day at evening, being the first day of 
the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples 
were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and 
stood in th midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. 

And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his 
hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when 
they saw the Lord. 

Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as 
my Father hath sent me, even so I send you. 

And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and 
saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost: 

Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto 
them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained. 

But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was 
not with them when Jesus came. 

The other disciples therefore said unto him, "We have 
seen the Lord. But he said unto them. Except I shall 
see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger 
into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his 
side, I will not believe. 

And after eight days again his disciples were within, 
and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being 
shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you. 

Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, 
and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and 
thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing. 

And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord 
and my God- 
Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen 
me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not 
seen, and yet have believed. 

And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence 
of his disciples, which are not written in this book: 

But these are written, that ye might believe that 
Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing 
ye might have life through his name. 

ST JOHN— CHAPTER XXI, Vs. 1-14. 

After these things Jesus showed himself again to the 
disciples at the sea of Tiberias; and on this wise shewed 
he himself. 

There were together Simon Peter, and Thomas called 
Didymus, and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons 
of Zebedee, and two other of his disciples. 

Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say 



36 



CRUCIFIXION OF JESUS 



unto him, We also go w.ith thee. They went forth, and 
entered into a ship immediately; and that night they 
caught nothing. 

But when the morning was now come, Jesus stood on 
the shore: but the disciples knew not that it was Jesus. 

Then Jesus saith unto them, Children, have ye any 
meat? They answered him. No. 

And he said unto them, Cast the net on the right side 
of the ship) and ye shall find. They cast therefore, and 
now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of 
fishes- 

Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved saith unto 
Peter, it is the Lord. Now when Simon Peter heard that 
it was the Lord, he girt his fisher's coat unto him, (for 
he was naked,) and did cast himself into the sea. 

And the other disciples came in a little ship; (for 
they were not far from land, but as it were two hundred 
cubits,) dragging the net with fishes. 

As soon as they were come to land, they saw a fire of 
coals there, and fish laid thereon, and bread. 

Jesus saith unto them, Bring of the fish which ye have 
now caught. 

Simon Peter went up, and drew the net to land full 
of great fishes, an hundred and fifty and three: and for 
all there were so many, yet was not the net broken. 

Jesus saith unto them, Come and dine. And none of 
the disciples durst ask him, Who art thou? knowing that 
it was the Lord. 

Jesus then cometh, and taketh bread, and giveth them, 
and fish likewise. 

This is now the third time that Jesus shewed himself 
to his disciples, after that he was risen from the dead. 
ST. JOHN— CHAPTER XIX, Vs. 31, 32, 33, 34. 

THE JEWS THEREFORE, BECAUSE IT WAS THE 
PREPARATION, THAT THE BODIES SHOULD NOT RE- 
MAIN UPON THE CROSS ON THE SABBATH DAY, 
(FOR THAT SABBATH DAY WAS AN HIGH DAY,) BE- 
SOUGHT PILATE THAT THEIR LEGS MIGHT BE 
BROKEN, AND THAT THEY MIGHT BE TAKEN 
AWAY. 

THEN CAME THE SOLDIERS, AND BRAKE THE 
LEGS OF THE FIRST, AND OF THE OTHER WHICH 
WAS CRUCIFIED WITH HIM. 

BUT WHEN THEY CAME TO JESUS, AND SAW 
THAT HE WAS DEAD ALREADY, THEY BRAKE NOT 
HIS LEGS: 

BUT ONE OF THE SOLDIERS WITH A SPEAR 
PIERCED HIS SIDE, AND FORTHWITH CAME THERE 
OUT BLOOD AND WATER. 



Letter of the Essene Elder 

(From one of the Essene Elders in Jerusalem 
to one of the Elder Essenes in Alexandria.) 

PEACE be with you, dear brethren! You 
have heard of the things that have happened in 
Jerusalem and Palestine in general. You were 
right to believe Jesus to be our brother and a 
member of our order, of whom his friends among 
the Romans and the Jewish people relate, that 
he taught and wrought great wonders, and finally 
suffered the death of martyrs in Jerusalem. He 
was born in Nazareth, by the entrance to the 
beautiful valley into which the river "Kisson" 
rushes down the steep declivities of the Mount 
Tabor. He was put under the protection of the 
order by a member of our brotherhood, by whom 
his father and mother found a refuge on their 
flight to Egypt. There are, as you know, many 
of our brethren living on the borders of Egypt. 

In fine, Jesus was admitted into the order con- 
temporaneous with John in their years of early 
manhood. He lived then in Galilee and had just 
returned from a visit to Jerusalem, where he 
was watched by our brotherhood. His initiation 
took place at Jutha, close by the grand castle of 
Masseda, where the mountains raise their lofty 
peaks above the surrounding country. My dear 
brethren, you may all have been convinced that 
he has been a member of our order, as well by 



37 



38 



CRUCIFIXION OF JESUS 



the doctrines he has taught the people, and his 
signs of recognition, especially the baptism and 
the breaking of the bread and passing of the 
wine, as well as by his being baptized by one 
of our brethren, John, in Jordan, near the shore 
of the Dead Sea, in a westerly direction — for bap- 
tism has, since time immemorial, been a sacred 
institution in our order. You wonder that the 
belief in the supernatural and miracles should 
gain foothold in our midst, when you know that 
we all have to bear the responsibility for the ac- 
tions of one of our members. 

Therefore, you ought to know that the rumor 
is like a wind. Where it commences it drives 
the pure air away ahead, but in its progress it 
receives all vapors and mist from the earth, 
and when it has passed some distance it creates 
darkness instead of the clear pure air, of which 
it was first composed, and at last consists solely 
of the particles it has received during its prog- 
ress. It is even so as regards the rumor about 
Jesus and his fate. 

Furthermore, consider that the inspired men 
that have written and informed of him, were 
often carried away by their enthusiasm, and in 
their devotion and simplicity they believed all the 
things, the people, naturally superstitious, told 
about him. 

Furthermore, consider that all the secrets of 
our holy brotherhood at all times remained un- 
known to the writers, in accordance with our 
rules, and that only the higher members had 
any knowledge about the secret assistance and 
protection Jesus received from us. 



BY AN EYE-WITNESS 



39 



Take at last into consideration, that our rigid 
laws prohibited us from interfering or taking 
any active part in politics, or infringing upon the 
counsel or plans of the rulers of the land. 

Therefore we have acted quietly and secretly, 
and have suffered the law to take its course; at 
the same time we secretly aided and assisted our 
friend. 

Know then that Jesus is our ^'brother/' and 
has himself vowed, when he at Jutha was ad- 
mitted in the first degree of our order, that 
our brotherhood thenceforth should be to him 
as father and mother, and truly we have proved 
us as such in accordance with the regulations of 
our law. 

I write this to you, my brethren, in the truth 
and knowledge of our brotherhood, that you may 
learn and conceive the truth of what has hap- 
pened. I inform you of what I know about it, 
and I have been an eye-witness to all, and se- 
cretly taken great interest and active part in all 
these transactions. 

Now that I write this to you, the Jews have 
seven times ate the lamb of passover since our 
brother was crucified, whom we all loved and 
in whom God was glorified. Still I have forgotten 
none of the incidents that I have lived to see 
pass, indeed as true as the words are that pass 
over my lips, and the thoughts that I write, as 
verily do I believe from the depths of my soul, 
that Jesus was chosen by God and begotten by 
the eternal spirit. He called himself the son 



40 



CRUCIFIXION OF JESUS 



of God, and he proved himself to be such by 
teaching in the name of God; lived a holy life, 
and was well versed in the secrets of nature, 
human, animal and vegetable. In all these things 
we acknowledge God; and the man that can say: 
"Behold, I am of God," verily is so; for he that 
is not, cannot say it, he not having the word 
in his heart, and has not learned it from the 
Spirit. 

I will now proceed to relate the parentage of 
this man, who loved all men, and for whom we 
feel the highest esteem, that you may have full 
knowledge of him. He was from his infancy 
brought up for our brotherhood; indeed he was 
predicted by an Essene, whom the woman thought 
to be an angel. This woman was of a very 
imaginative disposition, prying into the super- 
natural and mysteries of life, and found great 
pleasure in everything that she could not ex- 
plain rationally. Our brother, the Essene, has 
acknowledged his share in the affair, and com- 
pensated by getting the brotherhood secretly to 
search for and protect the child. And Joseph, 
who was a man of great experience in life, and 
great devotion to the immortal truth, was, 
through a messenger from our order, influenced 
and advised not to leave the woman, nor to 
shake her belief in the sacredness of the mat- 
ter, and to be a father to the child till our 
brotherhood could admit him as a novice. 

Thus, during the flight to Egypt, Joseph was 
secretly protected and guided by our order, and 
conducted as a guest to the congregated brother- 



BY AN EYE-WITNESS 



41 



hood by the Mount "Cassius," at the slope of 
the mount, on which the Romans have built a 
temple dedicated to Jupiter. The Essenes who 
lived there were commissioned to introduce Jos- 
eph, his wife and the child into their congrega- 
tion, that they might see our way of worship- 
ping and praising God, "the creator of all," and 
learning the ceremony of eating the consecrated 
bread and drinking the holy wine. At our re- 
quest they informed our brotherhood in Jeru- 
salem how it all had been executed; that Joseph 
was placed in the right hand semi-circle among 
the men, and Mary his wife among the women 
to the left. There they, with our brethren, ate 
the bread and drank the wine, and participated 
in singing the holy hymns. Further, Joseph here 
vowed before the elder of our memberhood, that 
he renounced forever any claim on the child, who 
was thenceforth to belong to the order. He was 
then made acquainted with the salutation and 
sign of the holy brotherhood, which enabled him 
during his travels to make himself known to 
these ; they also directed him which route to take 
to arrive in safety. 

This route went through a part of the country 
where there lived many enlightened, learned 
Jews, well versed in the scriptures, and devoted 
to study. Among these our order had many 
members, who were ordered to protect Joseph 
and be hospitable to him, even before he arrived. 
This was in the beautiful country of Heliopolis 
with its fine forests and hard by the temple of 
"Jehovah," erected by Onias. 



42 



CRUCIFIXION OF JESUS 



When the peril in Galilee was over and the 
Roman 'Warus" was pillaging in Judea, making 
the country unsafe, Joseph went to Nazareth, 
that is situated by the steep mount of 'Tabor." 
But soon Archelaus brought new terror over 
Galilee, and Joseph was persuaded by our breth- 
ren to go to Jerusalem, on his way passing **Lu- 
hem," and there seek protection by our brother- 
hood. This was duly done, and at passover they 
arrived at "Nisan." 

Here I myself spoke with them. I was then 
in the lower degree of the order, and in obedi- 
ence to the command of the elder, carried a 
message to Joseph. He proved to be a candid 
and experienced man, and spoke with great judg- 
ment. Indeed he exhorted Mary to discern dis- 
tinctly between reality and dreamy imagina- 
tion, things as different as day and night; and 
instructed her to quiet her mind through prayer 
and devotion. It appears that she possessed a 
very fiery imaginative mind, that often raised 
her thoughts above earthly matters, and made 
her indifferent to commonplace things. In con- 
sequence she had a good influence in directing 
the mind of her son to the study of the im- 
mortal truths. Far from Joseph blaming her for 
this, he instructed Jesus in knowledge and wis- 
dom, and protected his pure mind from getting 
overstrained through his power of imagination. 

And when the child Jesus spoke with the 
scribes about holy things, his doctrines gave 
great offence to the Pharisees in Jerusalem, as 
they considered them dangerous and incredible. 



BY AN EYE-WITNESS 



43 



Because the Pharisees kept strictly to the tra- 
ditions and details of the Mosaic law, they felt 
great animosity against everybody who did not 
exactly believe as they did, and who did not keep 
the ceremonials of temple service externally. 
They gave alms conspicuously, taught of "the 
kingdom of the dead," of the influence of good 
angels and evil ones, and of the future grand 
eternal destiny of the Jewish people. Although 
they had a great many partisans among the com- 
mon people and held a great deal of power and 
influence with them, still the Spirit of God did 
not dwell neither in their houses nor on their 
tongues. 

But Joseph had adopted our doctrines, and 
without any figurative mysteries he clearly had 
fixed them in the mind of the growing child. In- 
deed, the child already then felt for the miseries 
of the people; and they were raptured to hear 
him teach the word of God. The scribes knew 
him to be a Galilean, and they despised him as 
' they despised the whole Galilean people. But 
some of our brethren went to the temple, and 
without making themselves known through the 
holy salutation, kept him in their midst, that 
they might protect him. 

When the divine child had spoken publicly, 
in the temple, were our brothers apprehensive 
of danger threatening him, as they discovered 
the Pharisees and Rabbles to hold a private 
council how they might banish him from Gali- 
lee for the sake of his doctrines. They there- 
fore allured him to the synagogue of Sopherim 



44 



CRUCIFIXION OF JESUS 



by taking an assumed interest about the law, 
as they perceived that in his ardor and enthusi- 
asm for the conversation he heeded nothing else. 

Thus it came to pass that he was lost from 
his father and mother in the large city, that 
then contained great many people, from the whole 
country, on account of the passover. Our friends, 
the Essenes, were informed of this, and did not 
consider the situation of the child among the 
Pharisees a safe one, as much more as a Rabbi, 
who had become a true friend and teacher to 
the child, no more could be present to moderate 
his zeal and ardor, contending as he was with 
the immoral hypocrites, as the Rabbi had gone 
on a journey to Jericho. 

Therefore we informed Joseph and his wife, 
whom we found in double grief as they at the 
time also had been informed that the husband 
of Elizabeth, Mary's friend, had died. Thus 
she had been searching for her son in three 
days, in great sorrow, at the same time she 
felj a great desire to go to see her friend. At 
last she found him the fourth day at "Sophe- 
rim," according to the information given by our 
brethren. 

And Nabbin, the Rabbi who had taken so 
much interest in the child, was a secret mem- 
ber of our order, and received orders to protect 
him. 

Thus it came to pass that Mary, her husband 
and son went back to Jutha. 

Here she found her friend Elizabeth in great 
grief with her son, whose name was **John." 



BY AN EYE-WITNESS 



45 



Here the two youths were much together, and 
talking about the sacred and divine; wandering 
oft into the wildest parts of the mountains. 
They grew to be devoted friends, and their at- 
tachment grew into intimate acquaintance with 
each other, in searching for truth. John, Zach- 
arias* son, had already received the doctrine of 
the Nazareens, as regards reservedness, and he 
knew the scriptures and traditions perfectly, ^ /' I 
but did not comprehend the beautiful and ele- " 
vated in this world, nor the laws of nature, as ) ^ I 
well as Jesus. He felt great dislike to the c / - 
customs of the heathens, and despised and hated ^ / 
tyrants. >^ ^ 

And the time had come that Jesus should \ ~ 
be admitted into the first degree of our secret 
order. And in the valley our order had a broth- ^ 
erhood, situated not far from the mountain, 
where the castle Masseda is erected; and the 
elder of our brotherhood met them there, and 
listened to their conversation. He taught that 
wisdom and virtue were strengthened by fra- 
ternity, whereupon Jesus asked to be allowed 
to take measures for admittance into the order, 
in enthusiastic transport. The example set by 
him was followed by John, and the elder offered 
up a prayer that made Jesus a devotee of God. 

According to the rules of the order, the elder 
now said: **You shall be my brethren as soon 
as you, by the next new moon, see the glare of 
fire on the mountain, where the temple is built, 
where you then will appear. He that is initiated 
into the order has at the same time devoted his 



46 



CRUCIFIXION OF JESUS 



life to serve others. Tell your father Joseph 
that the time has now come for him to fulfill the 
vow he made at *mount Cassius.' " 

The Essene then departed. But when the 
child had got home, Joseph was remembered of his 
vow and his duties to our brethren. Joseph then 
made known to Jesus that he was not his father. 
They kept secret the admission of Jesus into the 
brotherhood, for fear of the Gaulanites. By the 
agreed time, in the evening, they saw the signal 
of fire ascend from the mountain, when they im- 
mediately set out for that place, where they were 
met by the white-robed messengers sent by the 
brotherhood. 

Jesus was initiated according to the rules, 
as follows: They were both shown the way to 
enter the assemblage, where the brethren were 
seated in four separate groups, according to the 
four degrees. Over the scene the crescent shed 
its lurid glare. The two were then placed before 
them, and made the vow, the brethren in their 
white robes placing the right hand on their 
breasts, and the left one hanging down by their 
sides; because none but the pure of heart shall 
see the holy and sacred. And they vowed in- 
difference to the treasures of this world, wordly 
power or name, and vowed obedience and secrecy 
through the brotherly kiss. And, as is our cus- 
tom, after making the vow these two were con- 
ducted into the lonely cavern there for three 
days and nights for self -trial. In the evening of 
the third day they were brought back to the 
assembled brethren to answer the questions put 



BY AN EYE-WITNESS 



47 



to them, and then pray. Having received the 
brotherly kiss, they were dressed in the white 
robes, denoting the sacred purity, and a trowel ^ 
put in their hands, denoting the task of our 
brotherhood. Having sung the hymns and par- 
taken of the feast of love by themselves, accord- 
ing to the custom of the order, none of the 
brethren participating, they were dismissed, and 
instructed about the trials they were to go 
through, living alone separate from society for 
a year, somewhere not too far from the elder of 
the order, to receive instructions from him, 
fitting them for the higher degree of our order. 

And both of them grew rapidly in divine 
knowledge. Jesus had a frank, hearty disposi- 
tion, but John shrouded himself in stern seri- 
ousness, and sought solitude. The year having 
passed, they were again by new moon admitted 
into the order as real members, and initiated into 
the higher science. Having given a full account 
of their doings in the past year, and acted in 
obedience to all the rules, and performed the 
ceremonies of praying, singing, and partaking of 
the feast of love, and conducted to the secret 
chamber of worship, they were instructed to 
search in the scriptures. 

As the rules of our order permit the admitted 
member either to remain with the brotherhood 
or go out into the world either to teach or heal, 
according to his own wishes, so Jesus chose to 
go forth teaching, while John wished to execute 
the duty of a '^terapeut," or elder. Jesus felt 
himself called by the spirit of God, and longed 



48 



CRUCIFIXION OF JESUB 



to preach the Essene doctrine to the people. 

Thus it came to pass that John returned to 
Jutha, to Hve in sohtude in the wilderness, and 
Jesus went to Nazareth. 

Here he proved gloriously his virtue, and ful- 
filled the vow he had made to the order. His 
friend ''Lazarus" had a sister "Mary,'' who loved 
him, and he, in his heart, returned her love. 

But, according to the rules, an Essene is not 
allowed to take unto him a wife, after his own 
desire that the sacred work shall not thereby 
be retarded. And Jesus overcame his love for 
this woman by his dutiful devotion to sacrifice 
every feeling of selfishness to serve the brother- 
hood. Still the struggle was hard, and both 
wept bitterly when they parted. 

I have informed you of all this, dear brethren, 
that you shall indeed know that he was our 
brother, and belonged to our holy order. 

Thus all doubts on this matter must be ended. 
Jesus, our brother, willingly met death to glorify 
the doctrine of our order, and the greatest re- 
ward for our virtue is to be allowed to sacrifice 
ourselves for it. 

You have heard the information the Jews and 
his disciples have given about him; that they 
have seen him in the mountains and on the road 
after they believed him dead. The divine provi- 
dence has given us a minute knowledge of these 
events that is hidden from the people, and we 
inform you of it in reply to your question on the 
matter. 

Even as I write this, the tears gush from my 



BY AN EYE-WITNESS 



49 



eyes, and it seems to me I see our brother in 
his torture and anguish of death; and my af- 
flicted mind is anew wounded by the recollec- 
tion of his courage and self-sacrifice. He was 
sent by God, chosen by the Almighty, loved by 
us all, and inspired both in teaching and the 
knowledge of nature and its elements. 

Hear then, my brethren, what happened in 
Jerusalem seven passovers ago. I have seen it 
all with my own eyes, and with my mouth I 
have kept it a secret, that not the world in 
general should know it; for the Jews and the 
heathens do not believe in anything but what 
they have seen with their eyes, so they have no 
faith in God, above what they can conceive with 
their senses. Therefore, my dear brethren, you 
should give God praise, that it has come to pass 
thus. We have kept these things a secret, and 
not let the people know them, lest the belief in 
providence should be diminished. For you know 
there are many pious and excellent men who 
have recorded and remembered the life and death 
of Jesus, but have them only from rumors, aug- 
mented and corrupted by superstition; and very 
naturally they, from reverence and piety, believe 
what they hear about a beloved master. 

It was even so with them, chosen among the 
people, who were called Jesus' disciples. Most 
of them have heard of it only through tradi- 
tion, as it is told from man to man; although 
there were others that were present, but these 
have given no information relating to these im- 
portant events. 



50 



CRUCIFIXION OF JESUS 



Now I will in secrecy inform you what I and 
our brotherhood in Jerusalem have seen and 
been witness to; and you know an Essene never 
lets anything pass his lips but the strictest truth. 
Every man that has got the gift of speech ought 
to glory in God, and give manifestation of him, 
even as God has given unto him the tongue in 
his mouth. We might indeed have saved our 
beloved brother from the vengeance of his ene- 
mies, if everything had not come to pass so 
quickly, and our laws had not forbid us^jo^ 
fere in public matters. 

Still we have saved him secretly, as he ful- 
filled his divine mission, in the sight of all the 
universe. Indeed, the fact that a man actually 
dies for his faith does not increase the glory of 
God ; but that he, full of devotion and divine con- 
fidence, will suffer himself to be subjected to the 
martyrdom for his faith, and this resolution, 
firmly fixed in a man's mind, constitutes the ful- 
fillment of our work in this world. 

Therefore, pay good heed to what I now inform 
you, that you may judge for yourselves of the 
rumors that have reached you hence and from 
Rome. 

(Here is a large vacant place in the document, 
caused by the destroying influence of time, the 
deciphering of which is not possible from the 
still existing remains.) 

H: 4: 

The procession in which were the doomed 
Jesus and the two thieves, wound its way out 



BY AN EYE-WITNESS 



51 



of the entrance to the valley that leads from 
Jerusalem to Golgotha to the place of execu- 
tion. The women cried loudly when they be- 
held Jesus almost sinking down under the weight 
of the cross, and his wounds from the scourging 
that he had undergone, bleeding profusely. 

Having arrived at the barren mountain ridge 
"Gileon," where nothing grows, and which lays 
on the north side, through which the lonely 
valley of death winds its way, they halted, and 
Jesus fell to the ground, his tortured body losing 
all its strength. 

Meanwhile the Roman soldiers were selecting 
places for erecting the crosses. This done, they 
wanted to prove their sympathy with the suf- 
ferers by giving them a drink that made them 
unconscious according to the custom before 
crucifixion. This drink was prepared from sour 
wine mixed with wormwood and called Toska. 

But Jesus did not wish to die for his faith 
and the truth as a drunkard, wherefore he re- 
fused to drink of it, having knowledge of the 
qualities of the mixture from our order, which 
he knew by testing it. 

And the crosses being erected, the time had 
now come that the punishment was to be in- 
flicted on Jesus. The first ceremony was to tear 
his clothes off from him. But to do it, it was 
necessary to take off the soldier's mantle that 
he wore after the scourging, and put on him 
his own clothes, which were then tore off his 
body as the law bids. At the request of the 
servants of Sanhedrim, Jesus* cross was placed 



52 



CRUCIFIXION OF JESUS 



in the middle between the two thieves, thereby- 
denoting that his was the greatest crime. They 
had even distinguished his cross from the others, 
for although they commonly were constructed 
in such a manner that the perpendicular beam 
did not reach above the cross-beam, his was of 
a different form, the perpendicular beam reach- 
ing far above the cross-beam. They then laid 
hold of Jesus, and lifting him up, placed him 
on the short stake that is always put in front 
of each cross that the body of the criminal may 
rest there while being tied. They tied the arms 
as usual with strong cords, and so tightly that 
all the blood went back to the heart, and breath- 
ing was made difficult. In the same manner 
they tied his feet, and wound half way up his 
legs strong cords which drove the circulating 
blood back to the heart. After this they drove 
through his hands thick iron nails, but none 
through his feet, for this was not customary. 
I note this particularly, my dear brethren, as 
the rumor says that he was nailed through both 
hands and feet. 

Thus the just hung, exposed to untold suf- 
ferings, in the heat of the sun, which that day 
was uncommonly fierce and fatiguing, while the 
soldiers took possession of his clothes, accord- 
ing to the custom. The cloak they cut in four 
parts; but the tunic was woven, and could not 
be torn asunder, wherefore they cast lots for it. 

In the afternoon, when the sun had turned, 
there came lots of people from the city, drawn 
thither by curiosity; and there were several 



BY AN EYE-WITNESS 



53 



priests present, gloating over their sinful ven- 
geance. They derided him, bowed down as he 
was, with grief and pain, and exhorted the people 
to mock him. 

Jesus suffered quietly, directing his gaze to 
the sky. He heard not the women of his tribe, 
from Galilee, that were standing some distance 
off, wringing their hands, and lamenting his, 
as they thought, untimely death. These sounds 
of anguish and lamenting were drowned by the 
noise made by horsemen advancing to the scene, 
which was the high-priest "Caiaphas" with a 
large escort of servants, who came to mock and 
deride the crucified son of God. And even one 
of the thieves crucified joined with them in 
railing him, as he had secretly hoped that Jesus 
would have delivered both himself and them 
through a miracle. 

Now the Romans had, in derision to the Jews, 
fixed a plate on the cross, over his head, in four 
different languages, calling him the King of the 
Jews. This made the priests angry; but as they 
feared Pilate, they exhausted their wrath by 
mocking Jesus. 

Darkness descended over the earth, and the 
people returned to Jerusalem. But Jesus' disci- 
ples, his friends and the elders of our holy order 
remained in Golgotha, our order having close 
by a colony for worshipping and partaking of 
our feast of love. And Jesus recognized his 
mother among the weeping women from Galilee, 
standing close by the silent John (the evangel- 
ist). Jesus called out loudly in the anguish of 



54 



CRUCIFIXION OF JESUS 



his pain, citing the twenty-second psalm, praying 
thereby God to deliver him from his sufferings. 

There were still a few Pharisees remaining on 
the mountain, that intended mocking him, as 
they had expected and hoped Jesus to descend 
from the cross, "the worldly saviour of the peo- 
ple"; but as this did not happen, they felt de- 
ceived and angry. The heat grew gradually 
fiercer, more unendurable, and a fire was being 
prepared in the earth and the air, such as is 
essential to purifying of the elements. The 
Essene brethren knew, through their knowledge 
of nature and its elements, that an earthquake, 
was coming, as had formerly happened in the 
days of our forefathers. 

Towards night the earth was shaking terri- 
bly, and the Roman centurian was so terrified 
that he prayed to his heathen gods. He believed 
that Jesus was beloved by the gods. Most of 
the frightened people left the place and returned 
to Jerusalem; and the Centurion, who was a 
noble man of a compassionate character, allowed 
John to conduct the mother of Jesus close to 
the cross. Jesus was then very dry, his lips 
parched, and pain burning in his limbs. A sol- 
dier put a sponge dipped in vinegar on a long 
cane of hyssop, and Jesus quenched his thirst. 

As he recommended his mother to the care 
of John, it was growing darker, although the 
full moon ought to shine in the sky. From the 
dead sea was perceived a thick, reddish fog, the 
mountain ridges round Jerusalem shook vio- 
lently, and the head of Jesus fell down on his 



BY AN EYE-WITNESS 



55 



breast. When he uttered his last groan of an- 
guish and pain, and passed away, a whizzing 
sound was heard in the air; and they of the 
Jews that still remained were taken by a great 
fear, as they thought the evil spirits that dwell 
between heaven and earth were proceeding to 
punish the people. It was that peculiar sound 
in the air that precedes an earthquake; and be- 
fore long the mountain shook, the surrounding 
country and the city commenced moving, the 
thick walls of the temple gave way that the vail 
in the temple parted and fell from its place. 
Even the rocks cracked, and the hewn sepulchres 
in the rock were destroyed, as well as many of 
the corpses kept therein. 

And as the Jews thought this very super- 
natural, so the Roman Centurion believed now 
in the divinity and innocence of Jesus, and com- 
forted his mother. Although the brethren did 
not dare to tell the people, as it is a secret with 
us, they knew very well the cause of this phe- 
nomenon of nature, and believed in their brother, 
without ascribing him any supernatural powers. 

Dear brethren, you have reproached us, that 
we did not save our friend from the cross by 
secret means. But I only need to tell you the 
following facts. The sacred law of our order 
prohibits us from proceeding publicly, and in- 
terfering in politics; besides have two of our 
brethren, influential and experienced, used all 
their influence with Pilate and the Jewish coun- 
cil in behalf of Jesus, but their efforts were 
frustrated, by Jesus himself requesting to suffer 



56 



CRUCIFIXION OF JESUS 



death for his faith, and to fulfill the law; as you 
know, to die for truth and virtue is the greatest 
sacrifice a brother can bring. 

There was a certain Joseph, from Arimathea; 
he was rich, and being a member of the council, 
he was much esteemed by the people. He was 
a prudent man, and although he did not seem 
to belong to any party, he was secretly a mem- 
ber of our sacred order, and lived in accordance 
with our laws. His friend Nicodemus was a 
very learned man, and belonged to the highest 
degree of our order. He knew the secrets of the 
"Terapeuts,*' and was often together with us. 

Now it happened that after the earthquake, 
great many people had gone away, when Joseph 
and Nicodemus arrived at the cross, they were 
informed of the death of the crucified, in the 
garden that belonged to our brethren not far 
from Calvary. Although they loudly lamented 
his fate, it appeared strange to them that he 
already was dead, he having hung less than 
seven hours. They did not believe it, and hastily 
went up to the place. There they found John 
alone, he being determined to see what became 
of the beloved corpse. Joseph and Nicodemus 
examined the corpse, and greatly moved, the lat- 
ter pulled Joseph aside and said: **As sure as 
I know anything about organical life and nature, 
as sure it is possible to save him." But Joseph 
did not understand him, and he advised us not 
to tell John anything of what we had heard. In- 
deed, it was a secret which was to save our 
brother from death. 



BY AN EYE-WITNESS 



57 



Nicodemus shouted: "We must immediately 
have the corpse with its bones unbroken, because 
he may still be saved" ; then conceiving his want 
of caution, he went on in a whisper, "saved from 
being infamously buried." He persuaded Joseph 
to set aside his own interests, to save their 
friend, by immediately going to Pilatus, and pre- 
vailing upon him to allow them to take Jesus 
from the cross that very night and put it in 
the sepulchre, hewn in the rock close by, and 
which belonged to Joseph. 

I understood what he meant, and remained 
with John to watch the cross, and prevent the 
soldiers from breaking the bones of Jesus. No 
corpse is allowed to remain on the cross over 
night, and the next day being Sunday, they 
would now take him down and bury him early. 
The Jewish council had already demanded of 
Pilate to order the soldiers to break the bones 
of the crucified, that they might be buried. 

Not long after Joseph and Nicodemus had 
started out, each one on his sacred mission, the 
messenger arrived and brought order to the 
Centurion, to take down the corpses and bury 
them. I was greatly agitated by this informa- 
tion, for I knew he could not be saved, if he 
was not handled carefully, and still less if his 
bones were to be broken. Even John was dis- 
mayed, though not from fear of the plans being 
frustrated, that he did not know; but he felt 
grieved at the thought of seeing his friend mal- 
treated. For John believed that Jesus was dead. 
As the messenger arrived, I hastened up to him, 



58 



CRUCIFIXION OF JESUS 



thinking and hoping that Joseph already might 
have seen Pilate, but for which there in reality 
was no possibility. 

"Does Pilate send you?" I inquired of him. 

And he answered, do not come from him 
but ( from y the Secretary who acts for the gov- 
ernor in such unimportant affairs." 

The Centurion perceived my anxiety and look- 
ed at me, and I said friendly to him: "You have 
seen that this man that is crucified is an un- 
common man, do not maltreat him, for a rich 
man among the people is now with Pilate to 
offer him money for the corpse, that he may 
bury it decently." 

My dear brethren, I will here let you know that 
Pilate often sold the bodies of the crucified to 
their friends that they might bury them. 

And the Centurion was friendly to me, as he 
had conceived from the events that Jesus was 
an innocent man. When the two thieves were 
beaten by the soldiers with heavy clubs and their 
bones broken, the Centurion went by the cross 
of Jesus, saying to his soldiers: Do not break 
his bones, for he is dead. 

And a man was seen hurrying along on the 
road from the castle of Antonia to Calvary. 

He stepped up to the Centurion and brought 
the order that he should quickly come to Pilate. 

The Centurion then questioned the messenger 
as to What Pilate wanted of him at this hour 
of the night. The messenger answered, that he 
wanted to know if Jesus indeed was dead. 

"So he is," said the Centurion, "therefore we 



BY AN EYE-WITNESS 



59 



have not broken his bones." To be the more 
sure of it, one of the soldiers struck his spear 
into the corpse in such a manner that it passed 
over the hip into the side. The corpse showed 
no convulsions, and this seemed a sure sign to 
the Centurion that he actually was dead; and 
he hurriedly went off to give his report. But 
from the insignificant wound flowed blood and 
water, at which John wondered, and my hope 
revived. For even John knew from the knowl- 
edge of our brotherhood, that out of a wound 
in a dead body flows nothing but a little thick- 
ened blood; but now flowed thereof water and 
blood; and I felt very anxious to see Joseph and 
Nicodemus return. 

At last some Galilean women were seen to 
approach that were returning from Bethania, 
whither they had brought Mary, Jesus' mother, 
in care of the *'Essene friends." And among the 
women was Mary, the sister of Lazarus, who had 
loved Jesus, and she wept loudly. But before 
she could pour out her grief, for John was gaz- 
ing intently at the wound in Jesus* side, with- 
out paying heed to anything else, Joseph and 
Nicodemus arrived in a great hurry. Joseph 
had moved Pilate, through his dignity, and Pilate, 
having received information about the death of 
the crucified, gave the body to Joseph, without 
taking pay therefor. 

For Pilate had a great reverence for Joseph, 
and secretly repented of the execution. When 
Nicodemus saw the wound, flowing with water 
and blood, his eyes were animated with new 



60 



CRUCIFIXION OF JESUS 



hope, and he spoke encouragingly, f orseeing what 
was to happen. He drew Joseph aside to where 
I stood, some distance from John, and spoke in 
a low, hurried tone: **Dear friends, be of good 
cheer, and go to work. Jesus is not dead; he 
only seems to be because his strength was ex- 
hausted. While Joseph was with Pilate I hur- 
ried over to our colony, and fetched the herbs 
that are useful in such cases. But I advise you 
not to let John know that we intend to reanimate 
the corpse of Jesus, for I fear he could not con- 
ceal his joy; and dangerous indeed would it be 
to let the people know it, as our enemies would 
then put us to death, as well as him." 

After this they hurried up to the cross, and, 
according to the prescriptions of the medical 
art, they slowly untied his bonds, pulled the 
spikes out of his hands, and carefully laid him 
on the ground. Thereupon, Nicodemus spread 
powerful spices and salves on long pieces of 
"byssus" that he had brought along, and whose 
use was only known in our order. 

These he wound about Jesus' body, pretend- 
ing that he done it to keep it from decaying, 
till after the feast, when he wanted to embalm 
the body. These spices and salves had a heal- 
ing influence, and were used by our Essene 
brethren, who knew the rules of medical science 
to annihilate the effects of death-like fainting. 
And even as Joseph and Nicodemus were bend- 
ing over his face and their tears fell on him, 
they blew into him their breath, and warmed his 
temples. 



BY AN EYE-¥/ITNESS 



61 



Still Joseph felt doubtful, but Nicodemus en- 
couraged him to increase their efforts. Nico- 
demus spread balsam in both hands, but he 
thought it best not to tie up the wound in his 
side, because he considered the flow of blood and 
water to be beneficial for the respiration and 
renewing of life. 

In his grief and sorrow John did not at all 
believe in life returning to his friend, and did not 
hope to see him again before in **Scheol." 

The corpse was then laid in the sepulchre made 
in the rock, which belonged to Joseph. They 
smoked the grotto with aloe and other strength- 
ening herbs, and as the corpse was placed on 
moss, still stiff and inanimate, they placed a 
large stone in front of the entrance, that the 
vapors might better fill the grotto. 

This done, John, with some others, went to 
Bethania, to comfort his grief -stricken mother. 

But "Caiaphas" had sent out secret spies, al- 
though it was Sabbath. He was anxious to learn 
who were Jesus' secret friends, for he had sus- 
picions on Pilate for having given Joseph of Ari- 
mathea the body without any pay, he being rich, 
a Rabbi and member of the high council, who 
never had appeared to take any interest in the 
case of Jesus previously, but now had given his 
own place of burial for the crucified. And 
Caiaphas anticipated secret plans between the 
rich Joseph and the Galileans, and knowing that 
they intended to embalm the corpse, he hoped 
there to catch them, as the idea struck him that 
Joseph and Pilate were plotting against the Jews. 



62 



CRUCIFIXION OP JESUS 



This fear caused him a great deal of anxiety, 
and he tried to conceive some means of secret 
accusing Joseph and take him a prisoner. Thus 
he betrayed himself in sending late in the night 
a number of his armed servants to an obscure 
valley close by the grotto in which was Jesus* 
corpse. Some distance from them were stationed 
a detachment of the temple guard, to assist the 
servants of the high priest, if necessary. But 
the rumor has told you the guard were Roman 
soldiers, which was not the case. The high 
priest even mistrusted Pilate. 

Meanwhile Nicodemus had with me hastened 
to our brethren, and the oldest and wisest came 
to confer as to the best means of restoring 
Jesus to life. And the brethren agreed immedi- 
ately to send a guard to the grove. Joseph and 
Nicodemus hurried to the city, there to fulfill 
their further mission. 

And after midnight, towards morning, the 
earth again commenced shaking, and the air felt 
very oppressive. The rocks shook and cracked, 
red flames burst forth from, the crevices, illumi- 
nating the red mist of morning. 

This was a dreadful night. Beasts horrified by 
the earthquake, went howling and scampering 
about, the little lamp in the grotto threw through 
the narrow opening trembling shadows in the 
horrible night, and the servants of the high 
priest were full of fear, listening to the whizzing 
in the air and the roaring in the earth. 

One of our brethren went to the grave in 
obedience to the order of the brotherhood, dressed 



BY AN EYE-WITNESS 



63 



in the white robe of the fourth degree. He took 
a secret path, that ran through the mountains 
to the grave, and only was known to the order. 

When the cowardly servants of the high priest 
perceived the white-robed brother on the moun- 
tain, undefined by the morning mist, gradually 
approaching, they were taken with a great fear 
and thought that an angel was descending from 
the mountain. When the brother arrived at the 
grave which he was to guard, he rested on the 
stone that he had pulled from the entrance, ac- 
cording to his orders, when the soldiers fled and 
reported that an angel had driven them away. 

When the Essene youth had sat down on the 
stone came a new shock, and a draft of air passed 
down the grotto, blew out the lamp, and gave 
place for the morning light. 

Now thirty hours had passed since the assumed 
death of Jesus. And when the brother heard a 
slight noise in the grotto, and stepped in to 
watch what would happen, he smelt a strange 
odor in the air, as is natural when the earth is 
going to vomit fire. And the youth saw with 
untold joy that the corpse moved the lips and 
breathed. He hastened to assist him, and heard 
slight sounds rise from his breast, the face as- 
sumed a living appearance, and the eyes opened 
and gazed astonished at the novice of our order. 

This happened just as I went off with the 
brethren of the first degree, from the council, 
with Joseph, who had called for to consult, how 
to bring help. 

Nicodemus, who was an experienced physician. 



64 



CRUCIFIXION OF JESUS 



said on the road, that the pecuhar atmosphere 
prepared in the air by the revolution of the ele- 
ments, was beneficial to Jesus, and that he never 
had believed that Jesus actually was dead. And 
he spoke of, that the blood and water that flowed 
from the wound was a sure sign that life was 
not extinct. 

Conversing thus, we arrived at the grotto, 
headed by Joseph and Nicodemus. We were in 
all twenty-four brethren of the first degree. En- 
tering, we perceived the white-robed novice kneel- 
ing down on the moss-strewn floor of the grotto, 
supporting the head of the revived Jesus on his 
breast. 

And as he recognized his Essene friends, his 
eyes sparkled with joy, and his cheeks were 
tinted with a light red; and he sat up, asking: 
"Where am I?" Then Joseph embraced him, 
folded him in his arms, told him how it all had 
come about, and how he was saved from actual 
death by a profound fainting fit, that the sol- 
diers on Calvary had thought was death. And 
Jesus wondered, and felt on himself; and prais- 
ing God, he wept by the breast of Joseph. And 
Nicodemus urged his friend to take some re- 
freshments, and he ate some dates and some 
bread dipped in honey. And he gave him some 
wine to drink, after which Jesus felt greatly 
refreshed, so he raised himself up. He then be- 
came conscious of the wounds in his hands and 
in his side, but the balsam that Nicodemus had 
spread on them had a good effect, so they had 
already commenced to heal. 



BY AN EYE-WITNESS 



65 



After the *'Byssus" wrappings had been re- 
moved and the muckender was taken off his 
head, Joseph spoke and said: "This is not the 
plate to remain in any longer; the enemies might 
discover our secret, and betray us." But Jesus 
was not yet strong enough to walk far, wherefore 
he was conducted to the house belonging to our 
order, that lays close to Calvary, in the garden, 
that also is owned by our brethren. 

Another young brother of our order was dis- 
patched to assist the novice that had been watch- 
ing by the grave of Jesus, to annihilate every 
trace of the Byssus wrappings and the medicines 
and drugs used. 

When Jesus had arrived unto the brethrens* 
house he felt very weak; the wounds began to 
cause him pain. He was much moved, as he con- 
sidered all as a miracle. "God has let me rise," 
said he, "that he may prove in me what I have 
taught, and I will show my disciples that I do 
live." 

And after a little while the two young men 
that had been sent to put the grave in order, 
came hurriedly and brought the message that 
the friends of Jesus soon would come to seek 
him. 

And they related how they had heard a noise, 
when occupied in the grotto, as of a great many 
people coming to the fence that surrounds the 
garden. When they retired further into the 
grotto, came a woman on the road from Jerusa- 
lem, and showed a great fear by the sight of 
the stone being rolled away from the grave. She 



66 



CRUCIFIXION OF JESUS 



had thought that something had happened to the 
corpse, and hurried to Bethlehem. But soon 
after other women came from Jerusalem, and 
stepped up to the grave. Wondering greatly, 
they had entered the grave, and one of them in 
looking for the corpse in the place where it had 
laid, had seen the brother, and, terrified, pointed 
him out to her friends. When the other brother 
also came in view, the women had fallen on their 
faces, and thought they had seen angels. 

And the brethren spoke to them as they had 
been ordered by them of the first degree, and 
one of them said to the women: "Jesus is risen. 
Do not look for him here; say to his disciples 
that they will find him in Galilee," and the other 
told them to gather the disciples and conduct 
them to Galilee. 

This was instituted by the wisdom of Joseph, 
for he would not that they should look for Jesus 
at Jerusalem, for his safety's sake. And the 
brethren stepped out of the cavern by the rear 
entrance, and noticed that some of the women 
hastened on the road to Bethania, whereupon 
the young brethren hurried to us in the house to 
inform us of what had passed. 

Thus the Essene friends tried to persuade 
Jesus to keep hidden, for his safety's sake, and 
to recover his strength. But Jesus felt a great 
desire to prove to his friends that he lived, and 
of the desire feeling refreshed and strengthened, 
he asked for clothes, and received immediately 
the Essene working-garb, such as our brethren 
wear in their work ; dressed in which he appeared 
as a gardener. 



BY AN EYE-WITNESS 



67 



The two young brethren had again gone to 
the grave, as their work there was not yet com- 
pleted; and there saw the same woman return 
who came first to the grave, as John and Peter 
had meantime made known among the disciples 
what had happened. And she thought the two 
novices were angels guarding the empty grave, 
and she wept. 

One of them, of kind disposition, and in a har- 
monious voice, spoke to the woman, asking her 
why she wept. This woman was Mary, whom 
Jesus had loved and had to leave, in accordance 
with the laws of our holy brotherhood. 

And as she was lamenting over that Jesus 
did not lay where he had been placed before the 
Sabbath, stood Jesus behind her, dressed in the 
garb of a gardener. 

Animated by the desire to see those he loved 
again, and to proclaim for them that he lived, 
he had not taken the advice of the brethren to 
keep hidden, and leaving the house, had taken 
the path through the garden to the rock where 
the grave was hewn. 

When Mary saw him she took him to be the 
gardener; but Jesus knew her, and rejoiced in 
her love and spoke to her. Still she did not know 
him, as he looked very weak and suffering; but 
when he exclaimed, "0 Mary!" she knew him, 
and wanted to kiss his feet, and thereafter em- 
brace him. But Jesus felt the pain in his hands 
and side, and feared the effects of the hearty em- 
brace, cautiously stepped back a few paces, and 
said: "Touch me not. Still I live, but I soon 



68 



CRUCIFIXION OF JESUS 



shall go to my father in heaven; for my body 
has become feeble and soon shall be dissolved, 
that my death may be fulfilled." 

As the woman still was knelt down, and with 
great excitement gazed up to him, Jesus heard 
the approaching sound of footsteps, and careful 
for his safety, hastened back, placing himself 
behind the garden wall, not far from the garden 
of our friends. 

And the two youths who were to guard the 
grave, and had been instructed to throw the spy 
enemies from the track of the revived, had seen 
and heard all this. 

Meanwhile Joseph, Nicodemus and the other 
brethren had stepped from the house into the 
garden to look after Jesus and take care that 
he was not in peril on account of his great weak- 
ness. This Nicodemus feared having noticed that 
the wounds were more inflamed and the places 
where the strong cords had been placed had as- 
sumed a dark color. When we arrived at the 
entrance of the garden, we saw Jesus standing 
behind the wall, resting against it as if his legs 
would carry him no more. 

It was by this time that John had hastened 
from the city, looking into the grotto had found 
this vacant wherefrom the two youths had made 
their way to our garden, through the secret en- 
trance to the grotto. And also Peter arrived 
there, and both searched all through the grotto 
for signs of the corpse, and entering the inner 
part, they found the muckender in a corner 
where the novices had thrown it, when they fled 



BY AN EYE-WITNESS 



69 



at the arrival of the two strange persons. In 
earnest conversation the two disciples hurried 
back to the city. 

And Jesus had slowly walked along the wall 
and reached the little gate that opens to the 
valley by Mount ''Gihon," there he listened to 
the conversation of some women outside the 
wall. He stepped out and the women believed 
that they saw an apparition. But he spoke to 
them to show them that it was himself. And 
as the youth in the grove having told the women 
that in Galilee they should see him, one of them 
remembering this said to him: "Lord shall we 
obey the word of the angel, and see thee again 
in Galilee?" Their question astonished Jesus, 
for he did not know that the brethren had in- 
formed the novice to name that part of the 
country. After considering for a while he an- 
swered: "Yes, inform my friends and tell them 
that I go to Galilee, there you will see me." 

His weakness being increased he felt that he 
ought to be alone ; and the woman went off. And 
we his secret protectors went to him and con- 
ducted him back to the house that he might rest 
himself. Nicodemus again tied up his wounds, 
gave him a medical draught and advised him to 
keep quiet. But Jesus feared not death, and 
v/as in good spirits. But his strength was ex- 
hausted, and he fell into a profound slumber, 
v/hen Joseph, Nicodemus and the brethren held 
a council how they might put him in safety. They 
sent, therefore, some brethren to the city to 
learn the rumors of Jesus among the people. 



70 



CRUCIFIXION OF JESUS 



And the rumors had told of many miracles 
in the city, the fleeing guards having tried to 
conceal their cowardly fear by reporting of ter- 
rible events that had taken place, and spirits 
that had bursted open the grave. And the high- 
priest had been informed of this, and did not 
know what to think of it. He feared that the 
miracle would excite the people; as the people 
already were busy discussing the miracle, for 
the women, and even the men, had been too ex- 
cited thereby to keep it a secret. Therefore, 
Caiaphas gave the guard money, that they should 
report that his partisans had stolen the corpse, 
that they (the disciples) might say he was risen, 
and thus delude the people. 

And Jesus remained all day in his profound 
slumber, and was filled with new vitality. It 
was evening before he woke up; his wounds did 
not now cause him as much pain, as the balsam 
that Nicodemus had applied had had a good ef- 
fect. He was in good spirits, and with thankful 
heart he saw his friend watch over him. He rose 
from his couch without any assistance, and asked 
for food, as he felt hungry. 

Having refreshed himself, he said: "Now I 
am strong it behooveth me not to live in conceal- 
ment. A teacher ought to be with his disciples, 
and a son embrace his mother.'' 

Joseph answered: "The brotherhood is father 
and mother to thee, according to their promise, 
and it is the duty of the brotherhood to protect 
thee as its beloved child." 

And Jesus said: "I do not fear death, for I 



BY AN EYE-WITNESS 



71 



have fulfilled it, and the enemies shall acknowl- 
edge that God has saved me, and will not that I 
die eternally." 

Then one of the elders of the brotherhood said : 
"Thou art not safe in this country, for they 
will search after thee. Do not, therefore, go any 
more ahong the people to teach, for what thou 
hast taught will always live among thy friends, 
and thy disciples will publish it. Remain dead to 
the world; the brotherhood has brought thee 
back to life through its secrets, therefore live 
henceforth for the holy order to which thou be- 
long; live in the privacy of wisdom and virtue, 
unknown to the world. And we will secretly 
teach and assist the disciples among the people, 
and they shall receive encouragement and as- 
sistance from the holy brotherhood. And if the 
time comes that thou shouldst again go out 
among the people, we will send for thee, and 
inform thee." 

But Jesus, in the ardor of sacred enthusiasm, 
said: "The voice of God is more powerful in me 
than is the fear of death. I will see my disci- 
ples once more, and go to Galilee." 

Then the elder said: "Be it so, as God has 
called you; but it behooves men to be wise and 
cautious in good things. Therefore, some of our 
brethren shall go with thee, and protect thee 
through our connections in Galilee." 

But Nicodemus did not approve of the journey, 
for Jesus' body was not as strong as his soul 
indicated. And the faithful physician represent- 
ed to him that he would thereby make it im- 
possible to recover his health. 



72 



CRUCIFIXION OF JESUS 



But Jesus answered, ''Be it fulfilled that is to 
be"; and Joseph wondered greatly at the spirit 
of Jesus, and more than ever believed in his 
great promises. 

When evening had come, Jesus started on 
his journey, and he wished to go. alone. The 
brethren gave him a warm mantle, it being quite 
chilly, in which he wrapped himself, that the 
officers of the city might not recognize him. And 
the brethren advised him to stop only with the 
Essene friends, and not travel on the highway, 
on account of the feast. Therefore Jesus made 
up his mind to take the road by Bethania and 
the Ephraimitical mountain, where Samaria 
bounds on upper Galilee to the north. 

And Jesus took his departure, and set out. 
When he had gone, the brethren blessed his 
journey, but, advised by Joseph, they sent a 
novice to follow in his tracks, and on the road 
secretly inform the Essene friends. 

Of all that has happened our friends have in- 
formed us. 

And while Jesus was on the road to Emaus, 
a few hours' travel hence, his soul was filled by 
inspirations over the new life, and he spoke 
loudly, so that our messenger could hear that 
it was of the prophecies of Daniel. Two men 
were traveling the same road from Jerusalem, 
and they had soon overtaken Jesus, as they 
walked faster than he. 

Jesus said to them, "Peace be with you." He 
believed he had met Essene friends, but shortly 
he recognized them as two of his friends of the 



BY AN EYE-WITNESS 



73 



people, who had often heard him teach. They 
paid no attention to the quiet traveler. But he 
heard them speak of his death, and the despair 
of his disciples. And from their words he con- 
ceived that his doctrine was in fear of being 
annihilated through the lack of hope displayed 
by his friends, who were in want of a master, 
to hinder them from becoming separated. And 
when one of these wanderers lamented that the 
prophecy had not been fulfilled, and Jesus had 
not risen from the dead, Jesus spoke with ar- 
dor, and the two disciples took a great interest 
in the conversation of the traveler, as it ap- 
peared to them that they had heard the same 
teachings before. 

But where they stopped they retained Jesus, 
when he wanted to go farther on, all alone in 
the night. And at the common feast of love in 
the house, they recognized Jesus; but he did not 
wish to be known in this place, and secretly 
passed out through the door, and went to the 
house of the Essene friend to whom he had been 
recommended. 

Meanwhile, the two disciples retraced their 
steps to Jerusalem to bring the information of 
the risen one to their friends there, and found 
Peter, and with him John. 

But the Essene friends held a counsel about 
what they were further to do. Here was also 
the youth that our order had sent after him. 
And Jesus conceived that he immediately must 
return to Jerusalem to reanimate the hope of his 
friends and correct the information given by the 



74 



CRUCIFIXION OF JESUS 



two disciples, that so hurriedly had returned to 
Jerusalem. The Essene friend gave him a beast 
of burden that, he might mount and thus travel 
easier, and the novice, whom we had sent, accom- 
panied him walking by the side of the animal. 

And thus it happened that, not long after the 
arrival of the disciples, Jesus arrived to the well- 
known home, where our friends used to come 
together. Jesus gave the sign by which the bar 
fell from the door by the hand of the door- 
keeper, for the disciples were holding a secret 
counsel. When Jesus heard how his partisans 
spoke of his resurrection, and were discussing 
how it were possible, he stepped up among them, 
and as they at first did not know him, they were 
alarmed, not knowing that the door had been 
opened. But he spoke to them, comforted them, 
and proved to them that he was really flesh and 
bones. Then they joyfully surrounded him, 
touched his hands, and Jesus leaned against the 
breast of John, feeling faint after the fatigues 
of the travel. Having rested a little he still more 
proved to his friends that he lived as other peo- 
ple by asking for some food. As the friends 
had already eaten, there was some bread, honey, 
and fried fish left, of which he ate and refreshed 
himself. He exhorted them to fulfill the work 
and not to give up but be of good cheer, and he 
blessed them and said that he could not tell 
them where he went to, that he would go alone, 
but when they wanted him he would come to 
them as he yet had a great deal to say to them. 

Outside the door the novice was waiting with 



BY AN EYE-WITNESS 



75 



the animal, and Jesus stepping out demanded to 
be brought to the quiet dwelling of the Essenes. 
But another Essene youth had arrived to seek 
information of him in Jerusalem, and the two 
now were obliged to carry Jesus between them, 
as he was very weak and faint, which was oc- 
casioned by the fatigue he had undergone on his 
journey. And after hard work they brought 
him in the night to the brotherhood, to the house 
of the elder, that is situated a few stadis from 
Jerusalem, close by the olive mountain. Here 
Jesus was placed on a soft bed of moss, where 
he fell in a profound slumber. And the Essene 
youths hastened to Joseph, Nicodemus and the 
other Essene friends to inform them what had 
happened. 

Before the break of day a council was held 
that they might further protect Jesus, he hav- 
ing ventured back to Jerusalem so openly, for 
the sake of the holy spirit, that he might 
strengthen his partisans in their work. And all 
agreed that no time was to be lost, the priests 
in the city having their secret spies, who even 
tried to entrap his disciples. All agreed, that 
were in the council, that he immediately must 
depart hence, that he might not be found, and 
that he ought to return to the quiet valley, not 
far from Jutha and the castle of Masseda, where 
there is a wild, mountainous country. Here 
Jesus had lived before, together with John the 
physician, and with him admitted to the holy 
order of our brethren. This was also considered 
a safe place, as many Essenes lived there. 



76 



CRUCIFIXION OF JESUS 



While they yet were discussing, Jesus awoke 
from his sweet slumbers, and wondered to see 
himself surrounded by his brethren. But Joseph 
and Nicodemus tried to persuade him to save 
himself, and not again fall into the hands of 
the priests, and Joseph even told him that he 
had been informed that Caiaphas had fixed his 
suspicion on him, that he, with the Galileans, 
formed a secret plot to overthrow the present 
state of things, and would demand an explana- 
tion why he had laid Jesus in his own grave. 
He even has suspicion on Pilate for secret com- 
bination with me, because he had given the sup- 
posed corpse to me without taking pay. And 
as Joseph persuaded Jesus with much ardor to 
comply with his wishes, and all the elders sup- 
ported him, Jesus answered: "Be it so; but I 
conjure you to encourage my disciples, assist 
and protect them, and tell them that they shall 
have no doubts, for I am still with them in body 
and spirit." And Joseph tried to persuade him 
to take more rest, as Nicodemus expressed his 
fear that the excitement and enthusiasm of Jesus 
would endanger and not be beneficial to his 
martyred body; for even if the wounds in his 
? hands began to heal, and the wound in his side 
emitted no more humor, his body was still very 
weak, and tormented by the excitement of his 
mind, for having slept, he immediately felt re- 
freshed. 

After considering a while, Jesus continued: 
"If my disciples are not convinced that I really 
live, and I do not step forth among them, they 



BY AN EYE-WITNESS 



77 



will think me an apparition and delusion of their 
imagination." 

Joseph answered: "Let us advance John to 
the higher degrees of our order, that he may be 
convinced of thy living, and execute thy direc- 
tions, and inform the other disciples of thee." 

But the elders of the brethren objected to 
John being admitted into all the secrets as he 
was only in the lowest degree, and they feared 
he might in his ardor inform others that Jesus 
was here. 

While they yet were discussing, a novice of 
our order arrived, who had been sent to the 
city, and he reported that John, with his friends, 
had hurried to Bethania, to comfort the women 
in Lazarus* house, and inform them that Jesus 
had rested, alive, on his bosom. And John had 
wondered that Jesus had not directed him to 
go to Galilee, as he had ordered the women, 
therefore he did not think it was the intention 
of his master, and that the disciples ought to 
wait for coming events. 

And Jesus remained all day with the Essene 
friends; and night coming on, we all took the 
secret road, Joseph, Nicodemus and the elders 
of the order, and having passed the valley of 
Rephaim, we reached Masseda at daybreak; and 
following a narrow path that only was known 
to the Essenes, we arrived to the brethren in 
that wild valley. 

And the elder provided for Jesus; and when 
Joseph and we others took our departure, Jesus 
gave us his word that he would remain there till 



78 



CRUCIFIXION OF JESUS 



the father called him to fulfill his mission. 

And the brethren sent a messenger every day 
to us to inform us of the state of health of our 
highly beloved brother. And we were informed 
that Jesus had rested for several days, but that 
his heart was sad and filled with melancholy 
thought. This was the same valley where he 
had wandered with John his beloved companion, 
and with him been initiated into the holy order. 
And he meditated on that John having as a phy- 
sician founded a school and baptized, had been 
slain by the enemies, while he had been haved 
by the hand of God, wherein he saw the com- 
mand of God not to rest, as his body must have 
been restored for some purpose. 

This thought excited his mind, as he came to 
the place where he and John had solemnly vowed 
to die for truth and virtue, he felt called to 
pursue the mission in the cause of which his 
friend had died. And Jesus went every day 
to the blessed spot, and refreshed his body, 
viewing the splendor of nature. And he chose 
a spot, where he could see the high tower of 
Massada toward the west, protected from the 
morning and noon sun by high mountains, while 
on the other side the view was unobstructed, and 
the country open toward the sea and the valley 
of Sittim. 

But the elder of the brotherhood did not 
leave him alone, as he perceived that Jesus often 
would lie in deep reveries, and his longing to 
see his disciples would overcome his care for his 
own safety. 



BY AN EYE-WITNESS 



79 



But by this time our brethren of the brother- 
hood in Jerusalem remembered the promise they 
had made to Jesus to protect his disciples, and 
strengthen them in their belief in the resurrec- 
tion of their master, and had been informed that 
not all the disciples were convinced of the resur- 
rection of their master. And one of them that 
doubted was Thomas, who was a great thinker, 
and had received his education from the Essene 
brethern. For that reason he possessed great 
knowledge in the secret powers of nature. He 
explained the events that had taken place, 
scientifically, and did not believe in any miracle, 
for, as all Essenes, he was raised above super- 
stition. 

But Thomas viewed Jesus* mission as an event 
of more than ordinary importance, and Jesus 
confided in him and told him his mission. This 
Jesus did on account of that Thomas was a very 
clear-sighted and rational man, excitement and 
passion being utterly unknown to him; and be- 
fore being convinced of anything, he would try 
it with great perseverance. 

And as the disciples were together in their 
secret place of meeting, Thomas argued with 
them, not believing that a man can rise from 
the grave. But John had himself felt Jesus 
on his breast, still he could not convince Thomas, 
although he expected that the prophecies of the 
prophets were to be fulfilled. 

For, dear brethren, the Jews hoped to see 
Messias come in the manner Elias had pro- 
claimed. 



80 



CRUCIFIXION OF JESUS 



And as our brotherhood had promised to re- 
port all, especially as the disciples themselves 
disagreed, it was to be feared thcl. their ardor 
in the good cause would diminish; we therefore 
sent two youths to the valley at Masseda to in- 
form the brethren that they might counsel with 
Jesus. But Jesus had hardly received the in- 
formation when he wanted to leave the solitude, 
and show himself to his disciples. And as the 
messengers reported that Thomas would not be- 
lieve in the life of Jesus, except he could feel 
his hands and the wound in the side, Jesus could 
restrain himself no longer, and even the elder 
advised him to go there and convince them. 

This happened the seventh day that Jesus had 
been in concealment. 

Thus it happened that our brethren accom- 
panied Jesus; and on the eighth day, as the dis- 
ciples were together in Jerusalem, Jesus stepped 
forth among them, and convinced Thomas. Hav- 
ing done this, he spoke to his disciples, and he 
disclosed to them that they were not safe for 
his sake. He also exhorted to faith and unanimi- 
ty. But he could not tell time and place where 
to meet him in Galilee, as he first had to con- 
sider thereon. 

After this he went away in the evening, ac- 
companied by John. And outside the house 
there was an Essene youth, who wanted to com- 
mit himself to his service; and Jesus sent him 
away to report that he was in Bethania. 

He, thereupon crossed Kedron with John and 
the night was a beautiful one, and the moon 



BY AN EYE-WITNESS 



81 



shed a dim light on the scene. At Gethsemane, 
Jesus rested by the wall and spoke with John 
about his martyrdom and sufferings, and having 
received information of his disciples, he sent 
him on ahead to the house of Lazarus in Be- 
thania, that he might announce the arrival, and 
find out whether he there would be safe or not. 

And immediately after Jesus went into the 
house to see his mother and his friends. Hav- 
ing thanked God for being allowed to see each 
other once more, they ate supper together and 
the whole next day he remained with them com- 
forting them and exhorting them to believe in 
the truth, and warned them of false expectations, 
they having come to think that he would forever 
remain with them. 

And he told them that it now was time for 
him to go, as night had come. He would hasten 
to Galilee, to strengthen his disciples to perse- 
vere in the good work. 

But even while Jesus was in Bethania, dan- 
gers were threatening him. Caiaphas the high- 
priest had been informed that Jesus had been 
seen in Jerusalem. And he had spread the ru- 
, mor that disciples had stolen his corpse and 
invented a miraculous story. But there were 
many of the people in the city, who believed 
that Jesus had risen by the hand of God, and 
they commenced complaining of the injustice 
done to him, and to believe in the doctrines of 
Jesus. And the high-priest feared a revolution, 
and thought that the Galileans intended to over- 
throw the government, and set up a new ruler, 
and therefore he was strictly on his watch. 



82 



CRUCIFIXION OF JESUS 



In the evening Nicodemus came to our brother- 
hood and brought the information that Joseph 
of Arimathea was arrested, and that they falsely- 
attributed him criminal purposes, as he had 
been in secret connection with Jesus, whereby 
a great anxiety rose among the brethren, as we 
feared that also Jesus had been arrested, as he 
had not been seen by us since the evening that 
he convinced Thomas. 

Our elders then held a council, when it was 
agreed that we should search for Jesus, and use 
all efforts to liberate Joseph. 

And two brethren were commissioned to dress 
themselves in their white holiday-garb, and 
search for Jesus in Bethania, as Jesus had in- 
formed the Essene youth that he would go 
thither. And as they came to Bethania, in the 
evening, and in the moonlight saw Lazarus* 
house at no great distance, they met with a man 
on the secret road, who carefully scanned the 
road. But the Essenes recognized him, and 
asked him if Jesus was at his house. This 
Lazarus acknowledged, the men having made 
themselves known, and added that Jesus in- 
tended that very night to go to Bethania, and 
therefore he had examined the road to see if it 
were safe. 

The brethren were conducted into the house, 
where they spoke with Jesus in a small private 
room. And when the brethren had told Jesus 
of the arrest and danger of Joseph, Jesus recom- 
mended him to the protection of the order, 
prayed to God, and thereafter sent John to 



BY AN EYE-V/ITNESS 



83 



Jerusalem to warn the disciples of their danger; 
and having taken leave of the women, we were 
accompanied by Lazarus as far as Gilgal. Thence 
he went on further all alone in the night, and 
early in the morning he found himself by Jor- 
dan, in the place where he through John was 
baptized by the order. 

Our holy brotherhood in Jerusalem was now 
planning how to liberate Joseph, whereto we were 
in possession of many secret means. 

And John had warned his friends, the disciples, 
as he had been ordered. And the next morning 
they repaired to the Galilean border in great 
numbers. Arriving at the border, they asked of 
each other: "Whither shall we go — our master 
has fixed no time nor place?" And they thought 
of their households from which they had been 
separated for a very long time, and as they 
were discussing if they should search for Jesus 
in Nazareth or Capernaum, Peter said: "Let us 
provide for sustenance, and not be idle, but work 
till the master calls us to a higher work." After 
this speech they resolved to take hold of their 
former trades, and Peter repaired to Bethsaida, 
where some of the others also arrived in a few 
days, to assist him and get his counsel. And 
Peter was a skillful fisherman, and invited the 
others to go to sea in the evening. 

But Jesus made only short day marches, and 
stopped on the road only with the Essene friends 
who lived in the valleys. And these brethren 
were well informed by the brotherhood in Je- 
rusalem of all that had happened to us, and 



84 



CRUCIFIXION OF JESUS 



Jesus received of them the information only 
a few days afterward, that Joseph was liberated 
from the prison, and on his way to meet him. 

And when Jesus declared his intention to step 
forth in Galilee in places where he had been 
known before, the Essene friends persuaded him 
not to do this, and explained to him the danger 
he was in. And Jesus heeded them, and reflected 
on where he would meet with his disciples. For 
that purpose he chose a safe, lonely place, where 
he was not known, and where there was oppor- 
tunity for his disciples to dwell. 

But the Essene friend had been advised by 
the elder of the brotherhood in Jerusalem, to 
choose for a place of meeting the lonely valley 
at the foot of Mount Karmel, for there live many 
Essenes, and it was a very fine country. The 
valleys abound in powerful herbs, and the odor 
they give is healthy to the wanderer. From that 
place our brotherhood receives the herbs that 
the physicians use in medicines. The clear wa- 
ter runs sparkling from the rocks, that contain 
many caverns, useful to dwell in by they who 
seek the solitude. 

And when the Essene brethren advised Jesus 
to go to this country, he remembered how the 
prophets of old were reported to have lived in 
the same place, Elias, as well as Elisha. He 
made up his mind to go there, as he there could 
teach his disciples without fear of his enemies 
finding out, for this country was inhabited by our 
brethren only. 

But Jesus refused to be accompanied by any 



BY AN EYE-WITNESS 



85 



of the brethren, and went alone the road to 
Bethsaida, there to stay with Simon, who was 
one of his disciples. Arriving at the shore of 
the Galilean sea in the morning, he found a hut 
that Peter had built for his convenience in pur- 
suing his trade. And he found Peter, and with 
him John, fishing. Here Jesus refreshed him- 
self, partaking with them of the feast of love, 
and was informed that all the disciples had 
agreed to come together in Bethsaida, to discuss 
what to do. 

But Jesus called them to Mount Karmel, as 
he had promised the Essenes. And on the even- 
ing of the next day Jesus again pursued his 
journey. 

Jesus having rested and refreshed himself 
for several days at the foot of Mount Karmel, 
and was prepared to teach, did his disciples ar- 
rive, bringing with them several hundred of his 
partisans; for in this lonely valley they were 
safe from danger, and the account of Jesus* 
resurrection had created quite an excitement in 
Galilee. But many of them had come from 
mere curiosity, as they wanted to see Jesus do 
wonders and miracles. Others hoped for the 
new kingdom of Messias, delivering the Jews 
from the Romans. But this illustration of his 
mission grieved Jesus very much, as he had 
often spoken concerning this, saying that it 
was absurd to clothe the son of God with worldly 
power and splendor. And the Essene brethren 
did not participate in this error, as they well 
knew that, according to the laws of the order 



86 



CRUCIFIXION OF JESUS 



that he had vowed to keep, our brethren can 
take no part in politics, nor aspire to worldly- 
power. 

And the people desiring much to see Jesus, 
they were informed by the disciples, that the 
meeting would take place early in the morning. 
Jesus descended from the summit of the moun- 
tain, where the fog assumed a reddish color 
from the sun, and as he wore the white robe 
of the Essene order, the people imagined him 
to be a supernatural being, and.throwed them- 
selves down, with their faces to the ground. And 
many of the people were terrified, and stepped 
aside out of the road. 

And Jesus spoke with a loud voice, saying 
that he had not come to found a school, but the 
kingdom of God on earth, through wisdom and 
virtue. And he instituted baptism, and informed 
his disciples about the knowledge that he had 
learned from the elders, how to heal the sick, 
decide the virtues of minerals and herbs as medi- 
cines, make beasts harmless, counteract poison, 
etc., etc. 

And the disciples and the people that had come 
with them, remained several days in the valley, 
and Jesus teached them how to live and preach 
the doctrine in his name. 

But the Essene brethren were informed by 
the elder of the brotherhood in Jerusalem, that 
the secret messengers of the priests and the 
grand council had been told of the excitement in 
Galilee, and that many people repaired to the 
valley of Mount Karmel. And the brethren 



BY AN EYE-WITNESS 



87 



warned Jesus of his danger, that he might keep 
out of his enemies* way, and fulfil his mission, 
for they were secretly informed, that Caiaphas 
intended quietly to arrest and assassinate Jesus, 
as he believed him to be a deceiver. 

And Jesus sent away his hearers and told 
them, that, if they wanted to speak with him 
afterwards, they must go to Bethabara, where 
he would expect them. Having spoken much to 
the people and teached them, he was fatigued 
and wanted rest. 

And the time came when the Essenes partake 
of their feast of love. And all the brethren in 
the valley came together in the house where 
Jesus dwelled. And Joseph of Arimathea, and 
^Nicodemus and we elders of the brotherhood in 
Jerusalem departed to be together with him. 

But Jesus was weak, and the joy he felt by 
seeing his beloved friends Joseph and Nico- 
demus excited him very much. And he spoke 
much about his death. ''Do not misapprehend 
me if I have not, in everything, lived in com- 
pliance with the rules of our brotherhood. For 
if I had worked in secret, like you, the truth 
would not been known to the people. Even in 
public can the wise practice wisdom, the chosen 
virtue." 

And Jesus exhorted all the brethren to lay 
aside their secrecy and step forth among the 
people, and to unite with his disciples to teach 
together with them. 

And the words he spoke took root in the 
hearts of many of the brethren, and therefore I 



88 



CRUCIFIXION OF JESUS 



now find many of them witness for Jesus, and 
have left their solitude. 

And Joseph spoke to Jesus: "Knowest thou 
that the people that does not altogether under- 
stand your doctrine, is meditating to proclaim 
you a worldly king, to overthrow the Romans? 
But thou must not disturb the kingdom of God 
through war and revolution. Therefore choose 
the solitude, live with the Essene friends and be 
in safety, that your doctrine may be proclaimed 
by your disciples." 

But the elders of the brotherhood were re- 
flecting that it would make a great excitement 
among the people if Jesus were to disappear like 
the sun in the evening, and not reappear. 

But Jesus feared that the words of Joseph 
might prove true, and he would not suffer blood 
to flow for his sake, nor any revolution to cause 
destruction. 

Therefore he consented to go into solitude, 
his body being very weak. And he went to 
Bethania, accompanied by Joseph and Nicode- 
mus. On the road they conversed together about 
the secrets of the brotherhood; and Jesus de- 
sired to take leave of his friends in Bethania, 
and return to the lonely country near the Dead 
Sea. 

In Bethania he comforted his mother, the 
other friends and Lazarus, and illustrated to 
them that in his doctrine he always remained 
with them. But the account of Jesus' being in 
the vicinity of Jerusalem had soon become known 
to all his partisans, and many came together and 



BY AN EYE-WITNESS 



89 



were instructed to repair to a secret place at a 
fixed time. Thither now Jesus repaired. 

And several hundred people had come together, 
and as they manifested their belief that he 
would organize a worldly kingdom, and liberate 
the country from the yoke of the Romans, Jesus 
instructed and teached them to the contrary; 
but he perceived that it was necessary to repair 
to the solitude, that the people should no more 
believe that his kingdom was of this world, but 
believe in his words and doctrines as the word 
of God. 

And before night Jesus went to Jerusalem, 
accompanied by his confidential disciples. But 
the high council had already sent out many 
secret messengers to circulate false rumors, and 
take Jesus a captive. But he was warned and 
protected by the Essene brethren. He was now 
very faint and weak, his wounds began again to 
pain him, and his face was pale. When Jesus 
entered the city with Peter and John, his friends 
conducted him into a solitary house, where he 
called to him the elder of the Essene order. He 
said that his time for rest was near, and instruct- 
ed them to wait for him at the "Olive Mount," 
and thence accompany him to the solitude. Then 
he gathered his disciples, went through the city 
and out of the gate that leads to the valley of 
Josaphat. And his soul was greatly moved, and 
his heart was sad, as this would be his last walk. 
Arriving at Kedron, he stopped and wept over 
Jerusalem. Thence he went further in silence, 
and his disciples followed him. 



90 



CRUCIFIXION OF JESUS 



And Jesus conducted them to the place he 
most liked, near the summit of Mount Olive, 
where can be seen almost the whole "Palestine/^ 
for Jesus wanted once more to look upon the 
country where he had lived and worked. To the 
east was seen "Jordan," the Dead Sea, and the 
Arabian mountains; and to the west shone the 
fires from the temple rock; but on the other side 
of the mountain was Bethania situated. 

And the chosen disciples believed that he 
would conduct them to Bethania. But the elders 
of the brotherhood had silently come together 
on the other side of the mountain, ready to 
travel, waiting with Jesus, as had been agreed 
upon. 

And he exhorted his disciples to be of good 
cheer, and firm in their faith; and the more he 
spoke, his voice grew more and more solemn, 
and his mind was absorbed in melancholy trans- 
port. He prayed for his friends that he had to 
leave, lifted his arms and blessed them. And 
the mist rose around the mountain, tinted by the 
descending sun. Then the elders of the Essene 
brethren sent word to Jesus that they were wait- 
ing, as it was late. And as tlie disciples knelt 
down, their faces bent to the grass, Jesus hastily 
rose and went away through the gathering mist; 
and when the disciples rose, there stood before 
them two of our brethren in the white garb of 
our brotherhood, and they instructed them not to 
wait for Jesus, as he was gone, whereupon they 
hastened away down the mountain. 

But the disappearance of Jesus filled the dis- 



BY AN EYE-WITNESS 9t 

ciples with new hope and confidence, for now 
they knew that they themselves were to proclaim 
the word of Jesus, as he, their beloved, would 
return no more. Therefore they kept faithfully 
together, and went daily to the temple and the 
places where he had teached, and the enemies 
dared not molest them. 

But in the city the rumor came out that Jesus 
was taken up in a cloud, and gone to heaven. 
This was invented by the people that had not 
been present when Jesus departed. The disci- 
ples did not contradict this rumor, as it served 
to strengthen their doctrine, and influenced the 
people who wanted a miracle for to believe in 
him. 

But John, who was present, knew all about it, 
but he has not spoken nor written anything about 
it. Likewise Matthew. There are others who 
have gathered the rumors thereof into an illus- 
tration, that they believed themselves as they 
were moved by the spirit to glorify Jesus. Thus 
one of them T)y name of Marcus wrote to a con- 
gregation in Rome and give an account of this 
event, but as he had not been present, his source 
was only the rumors among the people. Even 
thus is it with Lucas, who tried to do the same. 
But the disciples were advised by the Essene 
brethren to assume the customs and manners of 
the Essenes for the sake of unanimity. There- 
fore they formed a society in which even the 
women took an officious part, especially Mary and 
her friends from Galilee. 

But Jesus was accompanied on his way by the 



92 



CRUCIFIXION OF JESUS 



elders of the brotherhood, likewise Joseph and 
Nicodemus, and in the night they had to get a 
beast of burden for Jesus, who grew (very) 
faint. His mind was greatly moved by taking 
leave of his friends, and he felt that his death 
would soon be. 

When they at the end of their journey had 
arrived to the Essene brethren by the **Dead 
Sea," Jesus was much suffering, and had to be 
taken care of by the physicians. Joseph and 
Nicodemus remained with him for several days, 
and having heard his wishes in lengthy conver- 
sations, they took leave of him, promising to in- 
form him minutely about the affairs of the con- 
gregations in Jerusalem. 

But in Jerusalem none knew that Jesus had 
returned to the solitude of the order except John 
and Matthew, to prevent the people from pro- 
claiming him their worldly king. But Joseph and 
Nicodemus had three times been with him in his 
place of concealment. On their return they in- 
formed us of him. But his body was not vigor- 
ous enough to overcome the sufferings he had 
passed through for want of rest. His soul longed 
for his disciples, and he was anxious that nothing 
should be neglected. His restless mind found no 
consolation in the solitude, and his anxiety con- 
sumed his vital power. 

But Joseph and Nicodemus had been with him 
the last time when the sixth full moon was wan- 
ing, and they came to our brotherhood as we 
were preparing to partake of the feast of love, 
and revealed the secret to the elder of our order. 



BY AN EYE-WITNESS 



93 



And their hearts were sorely grieved, for the 
chosen one was taken up into the heavenly dwell- 
ings of the father. The eternal spirit had quiet- 
ly bursted the clay, and tranquil as his life was 
his death. And he was buried by the physician 
close by the "Dead Sea," as bids the regulations 
of our brotherhood. But Nicodemus enjoined 
silence about the death of his friend to all who 
did not belong to the highest degree. 

Here, my dear brethren, you have the only 
true account of our friend, whom God had called 
to teach wisdom and virtue to the people through 
parables and noble deeds. It is now a long time 
passed since, and the Jews have seven times 
eaten the passover when I now write this for 
your information. Thus you can judge for your- 
selves of the truth of the tradition as it is told 
by the people. 

For I know that many of his new disciples re- 
port of miracles, even as they themselves have 
wished it. And the judicious do not contradict 
them, because the people is not yet enlightened 
enough to conceive the truth without super- 
natural additions. As you yourself have con- 
ceived, there are many rumors come from Rome 
that I need not contradict, for you know your- 
selves what - a brother of our order has to do 
and not to do. But not only the Jews report 
superhuman things about him that they believe, 
but also the Romans, for the pagans believe in 
gods, and these are identified with the miracles 
told by the Jews. 

And I give you the power to inform the elders 



94 



CRUCIFIXION OF JESUS 



of our brotherhood in your parts what I have 
written to you, but not the novices nor the other 
degrees. For his is the glory, the son of God, 
whom we all worship more than the others who 
are removed to heaven. 

And what Jesus has taught while he lived we 
ought to promote with good will. For he has 
explained the doctrine minutely to everybody, 
and to the best of his ability. He has revealed 
the secret, therefore receive everybody friendly 
who is called by his name, for his disciples will 
go to all countries, and you will recognize them 
by their greeting that is the same as our or- 
ders. And you ought to assist them as our 
brotherhood in Jerusalem and the whole country 
has served the son of the heavenly father. 

This is what I have to say. And just as it is 
written thus it has passed, for the elders of our 
brotherhood have witnessed it themselves, and 
my own eyes have seen him and my ears heard 
him, and I am a friend of Joseph who sits in the 
grand council. And forward to the brethren the 
greeting. Peace be with you. . ^ 



1 



^^^^ 



Deacidified using the Bookkeeper process. 
Neutralizing agent: Magnesium Oxide 
Treatment Date: Nov. 2005 




1 Deacidified using the Bookl . 

S Neutralizing agent: Magnesium Oxide g 

y Treatment Date: Nov. 2005 ^ 

^ ^ ' ' preservationTechnologies 

A WORLD LEADER IN PAPER PRESERVATION k 

}^^^// 111 Thomson Park Dnve p 

v^'i, Cranberry Township, PA 16066 j 

(724)779-2111 ^ 




0^ 

0^ 



